In a sheer stroke of luck, a cab driver identified the thieves who had stolen his mobile two months ago, and helped the police nab two of them from an apparel store in Upparpet on Sunday. Police said the accused have confessed they are part of a gang involved in mugging and robbery. According to the police, the gang leader used to give Rs 1,000 along with biriyani and booze for every stolen mobile.
S Shivakumar, 48, a resident of Srirampura had gone shopping to the Pothy’s on KG Road on November 3.
As Shivakumar was stepping out of the shop, the two accused diverted his attention, robbed his phone worth Rs 10,000 and fled. Soon after, Shivakumar collected the CCTV footage of the incident and circulated it among friends and frequented the crime scene with two friends.
On Sunday, Shivakumar spotted the duo near the showroom. He alerted the guards at the store and confirmed their identity. With the help of the security staff and friends, he made a citizen’s arrest of the duo while two others fled.
The Upparpet police was alerted and the accused - Mahboob (34) and Ubaid Pasha (40) - were handed over. Shivakumar is hopeful of getting his mobile back as it was gift from his wife.