A mobile phone shopkeeper in Ludhiana’s BRS Nagar was dragged for around 10 to 15 metres while trying to stop a youth allegedly fleeing with an iPhone 17 Pro Max worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh. The incident, which took place on Thursday, October 8, was captured on CCTV cameras and has raised concerns among local traders over their safety.
According to the shopkeepers, the phone was dropped during the escape attempt and later recovered. The Activa scooter allegedly used by the suspect was left behind and handed over to the police. A complaint has been registered, and one person has reportedly been rounded up in connection with the case.
Youth allegedly took iPhone after enquiring about instalments
The shopkeeper, said the youth first visited his mobile phone shop at around 11 am on Thursday and enquired about purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro Max on instalments. He left the shop after the initial conversation.
At around 2:55 pm, the same youth allegedly returned and began looking at the phones. During the visit, he reportedly concealed the iPhone inside his shirt and ran out of the shop before attempting to escape on an Activa scooter parked outside.
Shopkeeper dragged while trying to stop suspect
Meet said he immediately chased the youth and grabbed the rear carrier of the Activa to prevent him from escaping. However, the youth allegedly accelerated the scooter, dragging the shopkeeper for around 10 to 15 metres.
The shopkeeper continued holding on until the scooter reportedly lost balance and the youth fell. During the escape attempt, the iPhone was dropped and subsequently recovered, according to the shopkeepers.
The Activa was left behind and handed over to the police. The incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the shop and in the surrounding area.
‘We are scared, even our customers are scared’: Shopkeepers
Another shopkeeper in the area said the incident had left local traders and customers worried about their safety.
The shopkeeper claimed that traders had faced threats previously and alleged that fresh threats had emerged after the incident came to light. According to the traders, concerns over theft and threats have affected business operations, with some shopkeepers reluctant to replenish their stock or put mobile phones on display.
Traders demand increased security in BRS Nagar
Local shopkeepers have demanded heightened security in BRS Nagar, urging the authorities to take action against what they described as the activities of new gangs in the locality.
They said stronger security measures were needed to protect shopkeepers, employees and customers and restore confidence among businesses.
A complaint has been registered, and one person has reportedly been rounded up in connection with the incident. Further details about the investigation and the suspect's legal status were not available in the information provided. The allegations and the reported involvement of the person rounded up remain subject to the police investigation.
