Senior citizen robbed by goon in fake accident scam on M.G. Road in Bengaluru, victim struggles to get FIR registered

Despite the State and city police heads stressing on the need for a victim-centric approach, a 78-year-old retired government employee allegedly robbed on M.G. Road in Bengaluru in broad daylight in a fake accident scam was made to run from pillar to post to get the complaint registered.

Bystanders and even the bank staff where he went to withdraw money to give the mugger refused to help and share the CCTV footage.

After much persuasion, the victim, M. Chandrashekhar, managed to get an FIR registered after one of his friends helped him to identify the accused through a news report dating back to 2017.

The alleged incident occurred on the busy M.G. Road on June 2 when Mr. Chandrashekhar, a retired officer with a Central Government department, was heading to meet a senior police official to discuss a case related to his friend.

A scooter rider allegedly crashed into his car from behind, and started shouting at him.

As Chandrashekhar was getting late, he started driving, but the accused allegedly followed him and stopped the car and got in.

Accusing Chandrashekhar of causing injury to his brother, he allegedly demanded ₹1 lakh stating that his brother earns ₹35,000 every month and due to the accident, he has been rendered useless and needs compensation.

Chandrashekhar tried to argue, but the accused allegedly took ₹2,500 cash from the dashboard and demanded more money, he alleged .

He later allegedly forced Chandrashekar to go to a bank and withdraw ₹3,000.

There were people, who were witnessing the incident, but no one came to help, he said in the complaint .

“I asked the bank staff to help, but they refused. I was scared of taking my phone out in front of him fearing he will snatch it,” Chandrashekhar told The Hindu.

“Though the accused was aggressive, I managed to get away from him after paying a total of ₹5,500,” Chandrashekhar said.

“I was shocked and went to the Ashok Nagar police station to file a complaint. The police, after hearing the story, asked me to get pictures and videos of the accused. I went back to the bank, but they refused citing they need permission from the head office,” Chandrashekhar said.

He again went to the police station. This time, police suggested filing an accident case. He went to the traffic police station to file a complaint.

After filing an accident complaint, Chandrashekhar returned home dejected. He got a call from his friend in London. After hearing the story, the friend recalled a similar incident and checked media reports, and shared the details of the case. “It was him, the man who harassed and robbed me,“ Chandrashekhar said. He rushed to the police station with the new information.

After much persuasion, the police agreed to register an FIR on June 14.

“I felt like I won half the battle, but at this rate, I don’t think the police can solve this case any time soon,” he said.

The Ashok Nagar police, when contacted, said they asked for CCTV footage to identify the accused. “We have some clues that he is a habitual offender. We are verifying further,” an officer said.

It may be recalled that the former police commissioner B. Dayananda had instructed police officials to take strict action against those who harass motorists and extort money. The police have been instructed to open rowdy sheets against repeat offenders.