Delhi girl foils biker’s bid to steal phone

Self-defence classes organized by Delhi Police came in handy for 19-year-old Kritika on Saturday. Kritika, who had attended the classes in the past, put the lessons to good use, thwarting a biker’s bid to snatch her mobile phone and grabbing the man’s collar as he tried to escape. She will be felicitated by Delhi police for her courageous act while the robber has been arrested.

The incident occurred around 2pm on Saturday in West Patel Nagar. “I was on the phone while returning home after giving tuitions to some kids near my house when suddenly a biker came from behind and tried to snatch the mobile,” said Kritika, a second year B.Com student at Lingaya University.

However, the man failed to snatch the phone as Kritika was holding it tightly. He tried again but Kritika grabbed him by the collar and started shouting for help. Her mother, who saw the entire incident from her balcony, also shouted for help after which a neighbour rushed and grabbed the bike key.

The accused, later identified as Pawan Giri, then hit the girl with his helmet and managed to free himself.

While none of the bystanders tried to grab Pawan in the beginning, some of them chased him after the exhortation of Kritika’s mother. “I kept shouting from the balcony, asking people to help my daughter nab the snatcher but for a few minutes nobody came forward,” she said.

“However, when I told them it could happen with any of you, four-five people started running after the snatcher,” she added. Meanwhile, one of the locals made a PCR call and informed the police. The cops rushed to the spot and arrested the snatcher.

DCP (central) Parmaditya said they police would reward the girl for her bravery. “We have decided to reward her for her commendable response. Such incidents are an example for other women as well,” he said.