There is very little pedestrian traffic along this route
A resident of Pestom Sagar, Bhavani says she was returning from Chembur market around 7.45 pm along the highway when she was struck on the back of the neck.
I nearly fell, but I clutched my chain. As the thief also tried to pull the chain, it snapped, she says. I put it into my carry bag and tried to run, but he knocked me down. I fell into a storm water drain (SWD) on the side of the road, she adds.
The SWD was wide and deep and Bhavani claims she nearly drowned in the gutter water. As I struggled to get out, the robber escaped in an auto, she reveals.
She was helped out of the ditch by people after she shouted for help. She was injured and needed a tetanus injection. Bhavani filed a complaint with Tilak Nagar police station. They have not yet made any progress with the case.
The SWD on the side of the road is wide and deepResidents claim that chain-snatching incidents in the area are on the rise. Says Aruna Raut, resident of Road no 6, Two months ago, a man tried to steal my daughters chain.
"As she shouted for help, the assailant escaped in an auto. She escaped with only a small scratch on her neck.
R Chari, a 67-year-old resident of Road no 1, had her chain stolen recently. She says, As I was returning from my evening walk, a man snatched my gold chain from behind. Before I could shout, he escaped.
Chari says she reported the incident at Tilak Nagar police station. The police inspected the spot but could not find anything, she says, adding, More than the loss of the chain, I worry about the fact that somebody keeps a watch on passersby.
However, Chari has not filed a police complaint. I had not seen the mans face so I will not be able to identify him, she says.
lalitha@mid-day.com
Residents should be alert: police
According to police officials, Pestom Sagar and Chheda Nagar areas have a majority of South Indian population. These women wear gold chains as mangalsutras.
Robbers can make more money by selling these chains than ordinary mangalsutras, says a senior inspector at Tilak Nagar police station, who does not wish to be named. The official claims that after the complaints, policemen in civilian dress have started keeping a watch along the route.
Adds the inspector, Such incidents occur everywhere. The modus operandi of these robbers is to move around on motorbikes or scooters or even autos.
"They approach lone women from behind, snatch chains and escape before the women can shout for help. The inspector says, We are trying our best to nab these thugs. But for now we can only tell residents to be alert while passing through this area.
Tips to avoid getting robbed
Try not to be alone when walking along this route
Do not wear too much jewellery if you are alone
Always make sure that you cover your chain with a dupatta or saree
Do not walk in areas that are lonely at odd hours
Be cautious and alert of any vehicles or any individuals who try to come too close to you
Source: Police officials
