Siliguri, 26th October: In a recent incident in Siliguri, a thief posing as a passenger stole an e-rickshaw and cash from the driver after offering him tea laced with an intoxicating substance. The police have arrested the accused, identified as Mohammad Naveeb, and successfully recovered the stolen vehicle.
The incident occurred on October 18 when Subhajit Chaudhary, an e-rickshaw driver, picked up a passenger from outside Siliguri Hospital near Hawkers Corner in Mahabirsthan, with the destination set for SF Road. The passenger then asked to be taken to Jalpai More, stopping at a tea shop along the way. Seizing the opportunity, the passenger allegedly spiked the driver’s tea with an intoxicating substance. Unaware, the driver drank the tea and soon fell unconscious.
Upon regaining consciousness, the driver discovered his cash and e-rickshaw missing. He immediately lodged a written complaint with the Siliguri Police Station. Acting on the complaint, the Anti-Crime Wing of Siliguri Police launched an investigation, analyzing CCTV footage from locations around Siliguri District Hospital, Hawkers Corner, Mahabirsthan, and SF Road.
On Friday evening, acting on a tip-off, the police conducted a raid in Ramganj, Chopra under Uttar Dinajpur district, where they apprehended the accused and recovered the stolen e-rickshaw. The accused was presented in Siliguri court on Saturday, while the police continue to investigate the case further.