Mohali, July 23: A daylight robbery in Phase 5, Mohali– a 65-year-old milk vendor was assaulted and robbed of ₹1,500 by two men on a scooter on Monday morning. The victim, Sukhvir Shah, a long-time resident of Phase 1, managed to overpower and detain one of the accused with help from local residents, while the second suspect escaped with the stolen money.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when Shah, who has been delivering milk, curd, and paneer door-to-door since 1990, was supplying dairy products to customers in the area. According to his complaint, two youths on an Activa scooter approached him near House Number 1260, asking the price of paneer. “They began debating the price, trying to confuse me by claiming they could get it cheaper elsewhere,” Shah said.
Growing suspicious, Shah ignored them and continued with his delivery route. Minutes later, near House Number 1790, the same duo returned and again asked for paneer. As Shah stepped down from his tempo to respond, the pillion rider, wearing a helmet, grabbed him by the neck and pushed him to the ground. The second youth snatched ₹1,500 from the dashboard of his vehicle.
As they tried to flee, Shah quickly pulled down the assailant who had attacked him. “During the scuffle, a knife fell out of his pocket. I held him tight until others came to help,” he recounted. Nearby residents, alerted by the commotion, rushed to Shah’s aid and helped restrain the accused.
Police were called and arrived on the scene promptly. The arrested youth has been identified as Sonu, who is now in police custody. A spring-action knife was recovered from the scene. His accomplice fled on the Activa along with the stolen cash.
The police have registered a case under Section 304 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and said that investigations are ongoing. “The arrested accused is being interrogated to trace his accomplice. We suspect their involvement in other snatching incidents reported recently in Phase 1 and Phase 5,” said an officer from the investigating team.
The theft has left residents concerned about increasing daylight crimes in the area, especially targeting local vendors. Police said additional patrolling is being planned during morning delivery hours.
