A trader was allegedly robbed of around ₹10 lakh in cash after his car tyre was punctured with nails near Kesar Petrol Pump in Jalandhar. The theft took place when the trader stepped out of his vehicle to get the puncture repaired.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 pm on September 2 and falls under Police Station Division No. 4. Saran Pal Singh, owner of Bhatia Electric Store at Adda Hoshiarpur, was returning home after closing his shop when his car's tyre pressure sensor alerted him to low air pressure.
Thick Nails Found Embedded in Tyre
Singh stopped at Kesar Petrol Pump near BMC Chowk to get the tyre checked. During the inspection, the puncture repair worker reportedly found several thick nails embedded in the tyre. As Singh stepped out of the vehicle to look at the puncture, an unidentified person allegedly approached his car.
According to Singh's brother, Gunit Pal Singh, the suspect opened the driver's-side door, took a bag lying on the rear seat and fled from the spot. The entire incident reportedly took only around two minutes.
Bag Contained Around ₹10 Lakh Cash
The stolen bag reportedly contained around ₹10 lakh in cash. The theft was noticed shortly after the suspect fled, following which CCTV footage from the petrol pump and surrounding area was checked.
The footage is now being examined by police to establish the suspect's movements and identify the person involved in the theft.
Police Launch CCTV and Technical Investigation
ADCP City-1 Mukhtiar Rai, PPS, said police teams immediately reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being examined, while technical investigation is also underway to trace the accused.
A case has been registered and further legal proceedings are being carried out. Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused and recover the stolen cash.
Incident Raises Concern Among Traders
The incident has sparked concern among local traders, with the victim's family demanding the early arrest of those involved and recovery of the ₹10 lakh.
Police have appealed to the public to avoid leaving cash or other valuables unattended inside vehicles and to immediately inform the police about any suspicious activity.