Dehradun: A theft complaint in Dehradun has taken an unusual turn after a woman alleged that the person who stole her iPhone later contacted her and asked for the device’s password.
Kaushiki Dhyani, who raised the issue through a social media post, said her iPhone was stolen from Clement Town on September 12 along with several other mobile phones and electronic devices. She claimed that the person who appeared to be in possession of her phone later contacted her through SMS and WhatsApp seeking the password.
The incident has also triggered questions about a series of thefts allegedly reported in the area and the response of the police. However, the police have disputed the suggestion that the case was ignored and said a Circle Officer is investigating the matter.
iPhone stolen from Clement Town
According to Dhyani’s account, her iPhone was among several phones stolen from a building in Clement Town on September 12.
She said the phones of her friend’s brother, Saksham Negi, and other residents were also allegedly stolen. Dhyani further claimed that laptops, MacBooks, mobile phones and other valuables worth lakhs of rupees were taken from residents in the area.
She alleged that several thefts occurred in nearby PGs and hostels around the same period.
Dhyani told India Today that five to six mobile phones and laptops were stolen from the same building. According to her account, the incidents took place between around 4 am and 8 am, with her flat allegedly being the final target.
Alleged thief asks for iPhone password
The case took an unusual turn after Dhyani received messages from the person allegedly holding her stolen iPhone.
She claimed that a contact number remained visible on the device, allowing the person in possession of the phone to contact her.
According to her, she subsequently received SMS and WhatsApp messages asking for the iPhone’s password.
Dhyani said she shared screenshots of the conversation with the police. The alleged attempt to obtain the password added another dimension to the theft case, as it suggested that the person holding the device was attempting to gain access to it.
The identity of the person who contacted her has not been established, and the allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Woman alleges more thefts in the area
Dhyani also alleged that the theft was not an isolated incident.
According to her, other residents and people staying in nearby paying guest accommodations and hostels were also targeted. She claimed that 16 more thefts were reported in the same area after the initial incidents.
She also alleged that when victims attempted to approach the police, they faced difficulties in getting their complaints registered.
Dhyani said that when they went to a police station to report the theft, they were allegedly told that no one was available and were asked to return later.
She subsequently raised the issue publicly through her Instagram account, questioning the police response to the alleged thefts.
Another theft reported in Clement Town
Another social media video has also highlighted a separate theft allegation from the same locality.
According to India Today, an Instagram video by Amandeep Negi referred to a complaint by Kushagra Jaiswal, who allegedly lost goods worth lakhs of rupees from Clement Town Lane No. 9A.
The incident was reportedly reported around 6 am on September 16.
The allegations have added to concerns raised by residents about a possible series of thefts in the area, although investigators have yet to establish whether the different incidents are connected.
Police say case is being investigated
The police have disputed the suggestion that the matter was ignored.
SP (City) Shekhar Suyal said it was not the case that the police had failed to take cognisance of the issue. He said the Circle Officer was investigating the case.
However, according to India Today, the police did not respond to questions regarding the other thefts allegedly reported between September 12 and 16.
The police investigation will be important in determining whether the separate theft complaints are connected and whether they involve the same suspects or group.
Investigation to determine whether thefts are linked
The unusual development involving the stolen iPhone has brought renewed attention to the wider theft complaints from Clement Town.
Investigators will need to establish how the stolen phone was accessed, identify the person who allegedly contacted Dhyani and determine whether the messages can help trace the device or suspects.
The alleged request for the iPhone password could potentially provide investigators with a lead if the communications, phone numbers and other digital evidence can be traced.
At the same time, the allegations of police inaction will have to be assessed against the official investigation and records of complaints filed by the victims.
For now, the Circle Officer is investigating the case, while the alleged thefts and the identity of the person who contacted Dhyani remain under investigation.