Miscreants book cab online from Bhubaneswar, later abduct and loot driver

It was a normal day for cab driver Balram Pradhan on August 13 after he got a booking from Bhubaneswar to Joranda under Gondia police limits. He picked up three passengers as per the online booking from near AIIMS Bhubaneswar area. After driving for several kilometres, the cab driver Balram, who is also the owner of the car, was about to get the biggest shock of his life.

The three passengers asked Balram to stop the car on the pretext of attending nature’s call. Later, they took out knives and looted gold ring, Rs 5,000, two mobile phones and the car of Balram near Radhadeipur.

While carrying out investigation into the case, Gondia police arrested two persons including the mastermind Rajesh Nath and his associate Suman while one more accused is still absconding.

Narrating his ordeal, Balram said, “3 persons had hired the cab and we initially halted near Athagarh to have tea. The drop destination was only 1 km away when the passengers asked me to stop the car and soon took out knives. They dragged me and tried to stab me. I begged and somehow managed to escape.”

According to Balram, his car was a new one. After escaping from the spot, he went to the nearest village and sought help of people.

“I managed to seek help from local villagers and tried to search my vehicle. Later, the villagers gave me Rs 500 and I came to police station to lodge a complaint. Now, my car has been recovered but cash and gold ring have not been recovered yet. Now I am afraid to take long distance trips,” said Balram.

Gondia police station officer, Salil Pradhan said, “We have arrested two accused while efforts are on to nab the third accused.”