Mumbai: Supplier robbed of goods worth Rs 30,000 in Mulund

Representational image. Pic/iStock

Vinod Sharma, a vendor who supplies cigarettes, paan varieties, and mouth fresheners, became a victim of a robbery in the middle of the day on January 16, losing items worth Rs 30,000.

Sharma, 53, a wholesale businessman, transports goods on his bicycle, riding through the Mulund area - covering both east and west - supplying paan shops. The incident took place on Mulund East's busy 90 ft road. Speaking to mid-day on Monday, he said, "It was around 4.30 pm, and I was on my bicycle, delivering items to a paan shop. While handing over the items, I turned away from my bicycle for a moment, and a bag full of my stock disappeared," he said.

"It happened so quickly, and the area was crowded. I didn't even realise what had happened or who took the bag. If I had spotted anyone, I would have chased them," Sharma said.

Sharma said he is the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his wife, a 23-year-old daughter, and two younger children. The loss of R30,000 has dealt a severe blow to their finances. "Rs 30,000 is a huge amount for me, but there is no point in crying or begging," he lamented.

Following the incident, Sharma said he approached the Navghar police station six times to file a complaint but was met with indifference. "No one helped me. They finally told me to write my complaint on a blank sheet of paper, which I did. They assured me they would call back, but weeks have passed, and there's been no response. I guess R 30,000 is not a significant amount for the police," Sharma said.

A resident of Mulund's MHADA Colony, Sharma said he had to take multiple loans to restock his supplies.

A police officer from Navghar police station said, "We have taken a written complaint and will shortly register the FIR. Basic investigation is underway."