A 56-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after a miscreant allegedly tore off her gold earrings and fled from a BMTC bus stop on Hosur Road near Johnson Market on Sunday night.
The victim, identified as Ameerbi, a resident of Munegowda Garden in Neelasandra, works at a convention hall near Johnson Market. According to police, the incident occurred around 8.10 pm when she was waiting for a bus to return home after work.
Police said an unidentified man wearing a mask had been loitering near the bus stop and struck up a casual conversation with Ameerbi, asking whether a bus to Neelasandra was expected. The man then sat near her and waited.
Miscreant attacks from behind
As Ameerbi stood up to check if the Route 143 bus was approaching, the accused allegedly attacked her from behind. Police said he pushed her onto the road and attempted to snatch her gold earrings.
Despite her cries for help, the man forcibly pulled out both earrings one after the other, tearing her earlobes and causing severe bleeding. He then fled the scene with the stolen jewellery.
Unable to continue chasing the suspect due to her injuries, Ameerbi sought help at a nearby mosque and contacted her family. Her son, Mohammed Yousuf, rushed to the spot and later accompanied her to Ashok Nagar Police Station to file a complaint.
Accused arrested within 24 hours
Police shifted Ameerbi to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital for treatment. She informed investigators that the stolen earrings weighed around six grams and were valued at more than ₹50,000.
Based on CCTV footage and other leads gathered from the area, police identified and arrested the accused, Kanai Adhikari, 40, a native of West Bengal who had been working as a construction labourer in Bengaluru for the past six months.
A case has been registered under Section 309 (Robbery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police said further investigation is underway