Delhi couple stage ‘molestation’ drama on bus, rob passenger at knifepoint; held

NEW DELHI: A husband–wife duo allegedly staged a robbery on a moving bus by creating a commotion and then threatening a passenger with a knife, police said.

According to investigators, the couple — Deepak, 26, and his wife Dipali, 23 — allegedly used a ruse to single out their target. Dipali accused a fellow passenger of misbehaving with her, drawing the attention of other commuters and creating confusion inside the bus. As the passenger responded to the allegation, Deepak purportedly produced a knife-like object and threatened him, said police.


"The incident occurred around 11.50am on Thursday when the complainant, Ravi Kumar of Swaroop Nagar, was travelling towards The Mann School in Khera Khurd. As the bus approached Kheda Kalan, the couple allegedly targeted him," additional DCP (Outer North) Patel Nirav Kumar said.

Fearing for his safety, Kumar handed over his mobile phone and wallet containing Rs 7,600 in cash. The bus conductor made a PCR call. As the bus slowed down, Deepak allegedly tried to jump off and flee, while Dipali was caught by the complainant and bus staff.

Police said the patrol team nearby responded after hearing the commotion, chased the suspects and apprehended them.

During the search, police recovered the complainant's mobile phone, the stolen wallet with identity documents, cash and the knife allegedly used in the crime.

Police said Deepak, a resident of Swaroop Nagar, had previous involvement in four cases of robbery and theft, and was released on bail in Dec last year.

A case has been registered. Police said they are verifying whether the couple had carried out similar robberies on public transport in the past.