Pune: A mobile-snatching incident near the Mahatma Gandhi PMPML bus station in Pune’s Cantonment area took an unusual turn when thieves fled the scene, leaving their motorcycle behind after the victim shouted for help.

The incident occurred on Sunday (December 15), around 3:30 p.m. The victim, Firoz Rashid Shaikh (24), a resident of Market Yard, was walking along the road after alighting near the Mahatma Gandhi bus station.

Three men on a motorcycle intercepted Shaikh, abused and assaulted him, and forcibly snatched his mobile phone from his pocket. However, Shaikh resisted and raised an alarm, attracting local residents. Fearing capture, the thieves abandoned their motorcycle at the scene and fled on foot.

Cantonment Police arrived at the scene and are currently using the motorcycle’s registration details to identify and track down the culprits. Sub-Inspector Ghadge is leading the investigation.

This incident highlights a growing concern as cases of pedestrians being robbed of their mobile phones and cash have increased in the city. Citizens are urging authorities to increase police patrolling, especially by beat marshals, to prevent such crimes.

Recently, a security guard at Karad Urban Bank in the Market Yard area thwarted an attempted robbery when a minor threatened him with a knife and demanded money. The incident occurred late Thursday (December 12) night.