Ritchie
Signal Basti, Dimapur
I feel constraint and obligated to highlight the following incident which happened to me a couple of days back to warn and caution my Naga Brethrens and Dimapurians. It is just a tip of an iceberg of such nefarious activities going unreported almost every day in our very own city Dimapur, the commercial hub and metropolis of our state.
On the fateful day I along with my wife parked our vehicle on the roadside (Opposite Indian Bank) for purchasing Sundry Kitchen items at New Market. After barely an hour of shopping and oblivious of the happenings we return and started our vehicle only to find that it won’t budge an inch even after shifting to several different gears. Sensing something wrong, I barged out of my car to find that the right front wheel of my vehicle was gone exposing the wheel axle bare. The rogue has so dexterously undid my wheel and sneaked away leaving behind his creaky old jack lever to keep the vehicle standing. Dumbstruck, the first thing that came to my mind was that somebody had mistaken my car for his and taken away the wheel for whatever reason. But as reality and reason dawned on me I felt utterly helpless that the culprit was allowed to go scot free with his offence. As soon as I realized their ‘MODUS OPERANDI’ and shuddered at the thought that all the while one of the accomplice had been stealthily stalking us and constantly informing his companion about our whereabouts. The ‘CENTAL LOCKS’ or ‘GEAR LOCKS’ appeared useless here as the wheels, Head/Tail lamps, bumpers, wipers, rear glasses etc. are outside their purview.
The fact that these unscrupulous elements could dismantle and take away the choicest part of your vehicle parts in broad daylight in a few minutes time made me come up with a moot idea that every vehicle owner at this circumstances would gladly pay an extra tips for security charges at any regular parking lot (if only our good municipal authority could provide for the same). Due to congested space providing a separate parking Area is an impossibility or even if there’s a possibility of underground aboveground facility it would take time. However, security (Not necessarily armed or trained personal) could be deployed at selected regular parking lot. With the onset of festive season robbery, thefts, muggings, burglary, extortion (you mention it!) is unavoidably going to occur including vehicle thefts and do not forget your roosters and ducklings would not be spared either (my 2 months old puppy was stolen few weeks back). The fate of thousands of commuters and shoppers thronging shopping malls and streets from different corner of the state lay vulnerable at the mercy of these thugs and rogues.
In the end all that was left was the sympathy of onlookers and passerby as I further learnt that the insurance company can pay me only. Half the price of the wheel (Rubber item) which did not even suffice the fees I had to incur for insurance claim, lodging of FIR, spot verification etc.
IF THE HOPE THAT THIS SMALL INCIDENT COULD BE AN EYE-OPENER FOR MANY AND ACT AS A CATALYST FOR CONCERN AUTHORITY TO USHER IN PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TOWARDS VEHICLE SECURITY IN THE DAYS TO COME.
