Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 7: Ritesh Jayakumar (18) from Domlur here had attempted theft on September 2 afternoon but was caught by the people. He was trying to escape after he got caught and reportedly was thrashed by a mob.

Normally complaints are filed against robbers, thieves etc but in a unique incident, the said robber has filed complaint against those who beat him up. The armed robber had been caught by the people on September 2 and attacked. The robber has filed police complaint, asking the police to take action against those who attacked him.

Ritesh Jayakumar had a knife with him when his robbery attempt failed and he got caught by a mob when trying to escape. He had approached a cab that had been parked by the side of the road and ordered the cab driver, Prathap Patil, to hand over his mobile phone and money. Patil pushed Ritesh out of the car and shouted for help. Some passers-by and vehicle riders rushed to help Patil and tried to catch hold of Jayakumar. Jayakumar flashed his knife and tried to injure people nearby. The people got angry at his attempt to injure the people and it is said that some hit him. A vehicle driver held Jayakyumar's hand while another hit him with his helmet. As other vehicle riders raised a din because of traffic blockade caused in this melee, and the thief escaped. Patil filed complaint about the robbery attempt, and the police said that they have found the robber who has been booked under different provisions of Indian Penal Code.

In a counter complaint, Jayakumar told the police that he had tried to rob the cab driver seated in his cab at around 4 pm on September 2 and that he wanted to snatch away his mobile and wallet but he escaped and shouted for help. "About 30 to 40 people gathered there and beat me up, inflicting injuries on me. I request you to identify the people who attacked me and take steps against them," he has requested. On the basis of the complaint, the police have registered case under sections pertaining to voluntary hurt and wrongful restraint. When the police were questioned how they can book people who risked their lives to nab the robber, they said they seek support of the public to catch the criminals but they should not take the law into their own hands. They said it is their duty to register a first information report when a complaint is made.