Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Aug 15: The robbery of an expensive mobile phone from the BBMP opposition leader has shown that even politicians are not safe on Bengaluru roads.

Padmanabha Reddy, leader of the opposition in the BBMP Council, was the man robbed of his mobile phone when he was out on his morning walk on Saturday at Banaswadi.

Reddy lost iPhone 7 near his house in HRBR Layout when a youth snatched it from him.

“I walk for about an hour every day. I prefer the streets in my locality for my walking as it gives first-hand information about citizens’ problems,” Reddy said.

“I left home at 7.50 am. I received a call while I was near 4th D cross, 3rd Block. When I was on the phone, I suddenly felt a slap on my left cheek. Before I could realize what was happening, my phone was gone,” he added.

When Reddy e recovered from the shock, he saw a youth speeding away on a two-wheeler.

“I chased him but could not catch him. Everything happened so suddenly,” he informed.

Though there are several cameras installed in HRBR Layout, the crime spot had none. “In fact, two houses on 4th D cross have cameras installed, but the rider did not appear in their range,” Reddy said.

Reddy’s son had gifted him the iPhone a year ago. The cost of the phone is said to be around Rs 50,000.

When the police tried to track down the location of mobile phone using its IMEI number, it was switched off.