Police Attacked When Investigating Retailer for Selling Stolen Phones

Police from the Indian port city of Surat (State of Gujarat) tried to investigate several mobile phone retailers who have been accused of selling stolen handsets - but were initially beaten back by a hail of stones from the shopkeepers.

A team of police went to the Big Boss Chinese Mobile market in the Bhagatalao area of Surat to investigate the reports, but had to call for extra police when the owners of neighbouring shops tried to prevent them from conducting their searches. Several police officers sustained minor injuries during the fracas.

As the situation degenerated, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sujata Majumdar called for backup and once the situation was brought back under control, some 10 people were arrested while a further 13 evaded arrest. A total of 209 phones were seized by the police as suspected as being stolen handsets. The raided shops belong to Ayub Kapadia who has prior convictions. He is still evading arrest.

Posted to the site on 29th June 2008