GUWAHATI, Sept 3 � Incidents of pick-pocketing are on the rise in the city, and could go up as the festive season approaches. Several incidents have occurred in city buses and in busy shopping areas, in the past few days much to the distress of victims who have lost more than just cash.
In one instance, Bikash Das, a middle-aged man was relieved of his wallet while he was travelling from Bharalumukh to Fancy Bazar. It was only when he was about to make his purchase at a garment store that he learnt about his loss. It was a loss that was particularly felt as it was near the end of a month and money was hard to come by.
But Fancy Bazar is not the only area where pick-pockets are having a free run. Reports of pick pocketing are also frequent in Paltan Bazar and Ganeshguri. Asgar Ali while waiting for a bus at Ganeshguri bus stop had to part with his wallet that among other things contained a prescription for his child.
At times pick-pockets are caught, and handed over to the police. However, many of the offenders often repeat their activities once they are out of lockup after a brief stint.
The police are aware of the activities, but with more serious crimes on the rise along with the pressure of VIP duties can spare little time to nab pick-pockets who are making a fast buck at the cost of hapless victims.
