Auto driver arrested for robbing woman of gold bangle at knifepoint; 15g jewellery, auto seized

The Kodigehalli police have arrested a 46-year-old autorickshaw driver for allegedly assaulting and robbing a woman passenger of a 15-gram gold bangle at knifepoint while she was travelling in his vehicle.

The police have recovered the stolen jewellery, the knife allegedly used in the crime and the autorickshaw, with the total value of the seized property estimated at ₹2 lakh.

The accused has been identified as Alla Bakhash alias Anwar, a resident of Cholanayakanahalli in Bengaluru.

According to the complaint lodged by Jyothishree, she hired an autorickshaw from the Vidhana Soudha auto stand on October 15 between 4.45 p.m. and 5 p.m., to travel home.

While proceeding towards Tumakuru Road via Hebbal flyover, the driver stopped the vehicle near the ring road in Bhadrapppa Layout, citing heavy rain. He reportedly got down to check the engine and went to the passenger’s seat.

The accused allegedly covered the woman’s mouth, hit her on the head and threatened her with a knife, warning her against raising an alarm. He then attempted to snatch her gold chain, but the chain broke, causing an injury to her neck. He subsequently forcibly removed a 15-gram gold bangle from her left hand and pushed her down near the seat before fleeing.

The victim managed to get down and later contacted her daughter, shared her location and arranged a vehicle to return home. Traumatized by the incident, she initially did not approach the police. She subsequently sought medical treatment and lodged a complaint.

The police launched a probe, and special team traced down and arrested the accused near Bengaluru Turf Club on the evening of October 27.