Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Dec 16: In a repetition of the incidents of robbing some train passengers by following a set modus operandi, a bus passenger was robbed between Sullia and Madikeri after offering him strong intoxicants mixed in liquor.

A citizen from the town named Ramesh, a close associate of ex-MLA Kushala had boarded a night bus bound for Bangalore, at Sullia. Two others entered the bus there along with him and sat by his side. As the bus approached Sampaje Kallugundi, the three became friendly. Ramesh claimed, that the duo offered him liquor which he accepted. He then slipped into an intoxicated state and got up some time after the bus reached Bangalore. He found, that his pocket was picked and he was robbed of Rs 4,000 in cash and a mobile set. After he contacted his relatives over phone, arrangements were made to pick him up from the bus stand.

On enquiries, he learnt that the two who boarded the bus with him got down at Madikeri. It is suspected, that they were part of a professional gang engaged in such activities. Hence, the bus passengers will also have to be extremely careful of strangers trying to become close to them in the garb of striking a conversation.