Shoplifters attack phone seller with chilli powder

In a unique incident of theft at a mobile phone shop in a supermarket, two unidentified persons, while checking a phone, attempted to steal it after throwing chilli powder into his eyes.

According to a complaint lodged with the police, the two men posed as customers looking to purchase new mobile phones. The accused reportedly threw chilli powder into the eyes of the shopkeeper and fled with the phone that he was showing them.

Police officials said that one of the accused had been arrested.

The incident took place at a shop in Depalpur supermarket, where the two persons attempted to flee with the phone after attacking the shopkeeper with chilli powder.

Despite the assault, the shopkeeper showed courage and reportedly chased the thieves who were running away with his product. He also shouted for assistance from the people present in the market.

Meanwhile, another shopkeeper reported the incident to the police on helpline 15. A police team patrolling nearby rushed to the crime scene on receiving the information.

Police officials added that they chased the suspected criminals and arrested one of them, while the other managed to escape from the scene.

The police launched raids to arrest the fugitive. The SHO of the local police station said efforst were underway to apprehend the other accused.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 21^st, 2020.