Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Feb 4: Investigations into a recent highway accident case has revealed that a taxi driver had stage-managed an 'accident' to aid robbery of his unsuspecting passengers.

On the night of January 27 this year, a taxi in which Nagaraj and Sumavati from Kushalnagar were travelling was hit by another car near Kallugundi in the taluk. The couple was travelling from Subrahmanya to Bangalore then.

The occupants of the other vehicle, who had chosen a deserted stretch for causing the accident, then had entered into an argument with the couple, demanding compensation for damaging their car. They left after forcibly taking away golden ornaments and cash totally worth over two lac rupees.

The local police, who were approached by the couple, claim that they have solved the case. They say that the driver of the Bangalore-based taxi that was hired by the couple was the key player of the farcical accident-cum-robbery drama.

The driver, who observed that the couple had cash and ornaments, conveyed information to two of his accomplices. They came to Sullia and waited for signal from the driver. When the car left Sullia, the driver conveyed the information to them. The accomplices then followed the taxi in their Indica car, dashed their car to the taxi from behind, and then snatched away cash and ornaments.

At that time, the robbers wore monkey caps and hid their identities. The taxi driver, who acted innocent, helped the couple to lodge complaint.

During intense interrogation of the taxi driver, the local policemen, who had visited Bangalore, got to the root of the crime. The driver and his  two accomplices, have been taken into custody. This was confirmed by the local police circle inspector, Sudarshan.