Allahabad University PhD Scholar Shot While Chasing Mobile Snatchers in Prayagraj
BK Singh
Prayagraj: Mobile snatching cases that had lessened quite a lot seem to be back again. Not long ago such cases had dropped significantly primarily because of the installation of CCTV cameras and difficulty in fleeing due to red lights at the crossings but miscreants now seem to be in a fefiant mode again.
Police need to evolve some other strategy to stop such criminals who create a scare in the society. Installation of more CCTV cameras of high quality would definetly serve the purpose.
A PhD scholar from Allahabad University was shot after he tried to chase down motorcycle-borne snatchers who had allegedly robbed a student of his mobile phone near the Botanical Research Centre overbridge in Prayagraj’s Salori area.
The injured student was rushed to Bailey Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
The victim, Mithilesh Kumar, a resident of Pant Hostel in Chatham Lines, is pursuing his PhD at Allahabad University.
According to reports, the incident took place around 10 pm on Saturday when Mithilesh and a few of his friends were taking a walk after dinner.
At the same time, two men riding a motorcycle allegedly snatched a mobile phone from a student living in Ambedkar Hostel and attempted to flee towards Pant Hostel.
Hearing cries for help, Mithilesh and several other students immediately began chasing the accused in an effort to stop them.
During the pursuit, the accused reportedly opened fire. Police said the pillion rider pulled out a firearm and shot at the students chasing them.
The bullet struck Mithilesh in the thigh, causing him to collapse on the road. The attackers managed to escape from the scene soon after the firing.
The incident sparked anger among university students, who protested against the increasing incidents of robbery and snatching in the area.
Students also alleged that despite the seriousness of the incident, police delayed registering an FIR for nearly two days after the attack.
Following mounting pressure, Colonelganj police finally registered a case against two unidentified accused on Monday. Authorities have now launched an investigation into the matter.
Colonelganj Station House Officer Sanjay Singh Yadav said that two bike-borne youths were involved in the crime.
He added that police teams are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the suspects and assured that both accused would be arrested soon.
