Mangaluru: The shocking video of an incident of a gang of men snatching a woman pedestrian’s bag in broad daylight near Upper Bendore in Mangaluru on Sunday September 12 made people to be on alert. However, the incident turned out to be a mock drill organised by Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar to see how the people would react in such a case.
“Today, a gang tried to snatch a bag from a lady near St. Agnes College, where the lady retaliated. The Police Department staged this incident to see how the general public, police officers, and victims would react in such a situation. Shobhalatha Kateel of the Swaraksha For Women Trust, was the lady in situation. She gives self-defence training,” said N. Shashikumar in a statement to the media.
Speaking further he said, “We witnessed how the lady retaliated and protected herself in the video. The general people also stepped in to help. The gang’s car was stopped by a car. Some teenagers attempted chasing the car as well. They also provided police with details about accused’s faces, car model etc. At 11.00 am, the incident occurred. We received a call on 112 within 4 minutes, and the 112-vehicle arrived on the scene at 11.10 am and took information about the incident.”
Upon witnessing the car flee, another car blocked and intercepted the Ritz car with the gang, demonstrating the public’s alertness and quick response. The car was chased by two two-wheelers. They alerted the police about how many people were there inside the car and their appearances.
It is understood that even the police officials were not informed about the mock drill.
“In such instances, I advise the public to be prepared. The victim must retaliate without risking his or her safety. Meanwhile, public should help the victim and try to capture the culprit. This was a mock drill, and the response was satisfactory. Our top goal is the safety of women. In public places, girls, women, and senior citizens must be cautious. I urge everyone to see this situation positively, since this awareness video will reach a larger audience than pamphlets and educational videos,” the Police Commissioner added.
