Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
An 18-year-old youth was assaulted and robbed by an autorickshaw driver and his two accomplices after being taken to a deserted stretch in the Chikalthana industrial area. The accused allegedly transferred money online from the victim’s digital wallet, snatched his cash and mobile phone, and pushed him out of the moving rickshaw before fleeing.
The incident occurred on the night of February 28. A case was registered on March 2 at Mukundwadi police station against the unidentified rickshaw driver and his two accomplices. The victim, Om Rathod (18, Gevrai in Beed district), had come to the city to visit his uncle in Ramnagar. After meeting him, he left at night to return to Gevrai and reached the Vitthalnagar rickshaw stand in Ramnagar to travel to the Cidco bus stand. He boarded a rickshaw that already had two men seated as passengers later identified as the driver’s accomplices. Instead of heading towards the bus stand, the driver suddenly sped towards Dhoot Hospital and diverted into the Chikalthana industrial area. The youth was assaulted and threatened. On a deserted road leading towards Ajintha Pharma Company, the accused forcibly transferred Rs 360 from his mobile’s digital wallet, snatched Rs 2,000 in cash and his mobile phone, and pushed him out of the moving vehicle before escaping.
Mukundwadi police are investigating the case.
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Passenger safety and rogue rickshaw drivers under scrutiny
The incident highlights growing concerns over commuter safety amid the increasing presence of criminal elements in the autorickshaw sector. In recent years, several drivers with criminal backgrounds have been involved in robbery, assault, abuse, and attacks on police personnel. Despite regular traffic police actions, rogue drivers continue to pose serious threats to citizens and commuters.