Early-Morning Theft Raises Questions Over Security at Bus Stand
An unusual bus theft at the Phagwara bus stand has raised questions over security arrangements at a busy public transport point. In the early hours, an unidentified person allegedly stole a private bus from the stand and drove away, damaging other buses parked there in the process.
The stolen vehicle is a yellow-coloured private bus named Guru Hargobind, bearing registration number PB 10 DH 5157. According to the bus owner and conductor, the bus was parked at the stand after being locked at around 8:30 pm.
Conductor Discovers the Bus Missing
The theft came to light at around 4:40 am, when conductor Pawan Kumar reached the bus stand. Other drivers reportedly told him that an unidentified man had broken the glass of a bus and sped away in another bus.
Pawan then contacted the bus driver, who confirmed that he was at home. This led to the confirmation that the bus had been stolen.
Thief Allegedly Hit Other Buses While Escaping
The incident took a more dramatic turn when another bus driver reportedly noticed the accused driving away. He allegedly ran after the bus barefoot in an attempt to stop him.
However, the accused increased the speed of the bus and, while fleeing, allegedly collided with another bus before escaping from the area.
The incident has left the affected bus owners facing not only the loss of a vehicle but also damage to other buses at the stand.
CCTV Footage Under Police Scanner
Following the complaint, police have started searching for the stolen bus and are examining CCTV footage from the bus stand, the flyover and surrounding areas to trace the accused and determine the route taken by the vehicle.
The bus owner, Mintu, and conductor Pawan Kumar have also provided the police with photographs and details of the stolen vehicle.