Talking on the phone while driving is considered an unsafe practice, but it saved a businessman from abductors, who allegedly kidnapped him on gunpoint while on his way home on Tuesday in Rohini. The police said that the rescue operation itself was a dramatic one with police officers shooting at one of the accused. They overpowered and arrested two alleged kidnappers, including the injured one.
Followed for 2 kms
A senior police officer said Nithish Arora (23), a Pitampura resident, was returning home from his factory in Kundli Industrial Area late on August 29 when he noticed a car with a group of persons inside following him. After tailing him for about 2 to 3 kms, the men allegedly rammed the victim’s car with their vehicle as a pretext to stop him and start an argument.
They were, however, unaware that Mr. Arora was talking to a friend at the time. When an argument broke out between Mr. Arora and the accused, he didn’t cut the call and his friend on the other end could hear their conversation.
“As soon as the victim stepped out of his car, they overpowered him. The men asked him about his residence, work and family background and planned to demand a ransom. Hearing the conversation, the victim’s friend got alarmed and immediately alerted the police. Meanwhile, the accused snatched the phone from the victim and forced him into the boot of his car and drove away,” said Rishi Pal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini).
Accused open fire
A police team reached the spot within minutes and found the accused changing a deflated tyre of their car. Mr. Pal said the police surrounded their vehicle after calling in reinforcement following which the accused allegedly opened fire.
“We fired in retaliation and one of the accused got shot in the leg. While other members of the gang managed to escape, two accused persons, including the injured criminal, were held and the victim was rescued. A loaded pistol was also seized,” the DCP said.
