Pune: In a daring incident, a petrol pump manager foiled an attempted robbery while walking to deposit ₹3.46 lakh cash at a bank in Katraj. Despite being assaulted with wooden sticks, the manager held onto the cash bag, forcing the three thieves to flee.
The incident occurred on Monday at 4:30 PM in front of Janata Sahakari Bank in Maulinagar, Katraj. The manager, Salim Sikandar Shaikh (31), who resides in Khadakwasla, has been working at AMK Enterprises petrol pump on Katraj-Kondhwa Road for the past decade. As per his routine, he was carrying two days’ worth of collections, amounting to ₹3.46 lakh, to deposit at the nearby Janata Bank.
While walking on the footpath towards the bank, a man stopped him to ask for directions to Maulinagar. As Salim responded, two more individuals approached him and tried to snatch the cash bag. Salim resisted their attempts, even as they assaulted him with wooden sticks, injuring his head. Despite the injuries, he refused to let go of the bag. His cries for help attracted bystanders, which prompted the three assailants to flee the scene.
Salim immediately reported the incident to Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station. He described the thieves as being aged between 19 and 23 years. The police believe the culprits had been monitoring Salim and planned the robbery in advance.
Senior Police Inspector Dashrath Patil confirmed the incident and stated, “Despite being assaulted, Salim Shaikh did not let go of the cash bag. CCTV footage from the area has been obtained, and efforts are underway to trace the thieves.” The police have registered a case of attempted robbery and assault, and further investigations are ongoing.
