Two arrested for robbing car on pretext of test drive, wanted to settle score with kin

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Updated At : 10:05 AM Nov 05, 2024 IST

Photo for representational purpose only. File Photo

In a bid to take revenge from a distant relative, two men robbed a second-hand car from a showroom under the pretext of a test drive. The accused had planned to stage an incident in which they would physically harm the relative and make it appear an accident to cover up, the official further said. The Delhi Police, however foiled the attack, officials said on Monday.

The two men, identified as Vikas alias Sonu (23) and Mohit (23), were arrested near the Delhi-Rohtak highway close to Sonepat on November 2. Both residents belong to Sonepat, the police said.

DCP (Central), Harsha Vardhan said that the accused allegedly stole a Ford Endeavour car on October 27, pretending to take it for a test drive from a second-hand car showroom in Karol Bagh.

“According to the complainant, a driver at a second-hand car dealership in Karol Bagh, two men arrived at the showroom at around 2 pm on October 27, showing interest in test-driving a Ford Endeavour. During the drive, the suspects stopped the car, instructed the complainant to check the engine, and then quickly sped away with the vehicle,” the DCP added.

Police reviewed CCTV footages and conducted manual surveillance. After identifying the suspects, they closed in on their location near the Delhi-Rohtak highway.

Upon locating the two men, the team conducted a raid and apprehended them, police said and the stolen vehicle was also recovered from their possession.

“During interrogation, Vikas disclosed his involvement in previous criminal cases, including attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and assault. He was recently released from Jaipur Jail on October 19. The suspects admitted they had targeted the car showroom specifically to obtain a vehicle that could be used to settle a personal vendetta,” DCP Harsha Vardhan said. Mohit allegedly wanted to retaliate against a relative who had filed legal complaints against him. The police registered a case under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).