Sir,

This refers to the news item titled “Criminals extort money from elderly car drivers by faking accidents” in Star of Mysore dated June 21. I am happy to note that the above news was published on the front page itself to create awareness among the gullible public.

I too was a prey to such an act. I was driving my car on Dattagalli Double Road about a month back. I suddenly  heard a banging sound and when I looked around nothing was there. I felt some small stone must have hit my car and continued driving. Then suddenly I saw a scooter following me and repeatedly  asking me to stop. At the beginning I continued driving but as they repeatedly asked me to stop, I drove my car into a side road and stopped.

The rider of the scooter abused me and threatened me saying that the pillion rider was hit by my car. The pillion rider sitting  on scooter was acting as though he had severe pain. I told him that I will take him to Kamakshi  Hospital and get him treated but he told me that the pillion rider’s  sister is getting married and they have to go to village immediately for shopping.

Though he asked for a heavy  amount I paid Rs. 1,000 and  got out of the situation. Only later I realised that it was a bogus drama to extract money and I told about it to my friends and relatives also.

Thanks to SOM, now people can be alert when they confront with such situations and contact the Police on the common emergency telephone number – 112 for help while in distress.

– Dr. U.G. Shenoy,  Children Specialist, Mysuru  22.6.2023

Sir,

With reference to your news report ‘Criminals extort money from elderly car drivers by faking accidents’ (SOM dated June 21), it has happened to me also a fortnight back on new Kantharaj Urs Road, Vijaya Bank Circle towards Sharadadevinagar. I was observing, while driving, in the rear view mirror that one person on bike without wearing helmet and riding rashly coming behind. In front of Westside showroom, the bike rider by hand hit the rear bumper of my car.

Then he started following me and in front of CM’s house, he overtook me and shouted to stop but I proceeded further. The rider then followed me further and argued with me while driving. Since I did not stop and argued strongly, he left.

I just remembered the prompt action taken by Bengaluru Police. I request Namma Mysuru Police to take note of it and also take necessary action.

– G. Srinath, Asst. Commissioner, Mysore EPC Customs, Mysuru 22.6.2023

III

Sir,

This refers to the news item ‘Criminals extort money from elderly car drivers by faking accidents’ (SOM dated June 21). I am  also  a  victim  of  this  gang.  As  I  was  crossing  Bamboo  Bazar  (Madhu  Tyres  corner)  heading  to  my  Office on  Ashoka  Road, a  young man  on  motorcycle  chased  my  car  and  made me stop  near  VRL Office Circle on the same road  and  narrated  a similar  story  and  took  Rs. 2,000  which note was visible in my  white  shirt  pocket  though  the  demand  was Rs.15,000  and  he also suggested  me  to  withdraw  money  from SBI ATM nearby. But  finally  he took Rs.2,000 and  left.

– T.R. Harish,  Managing Partner, Hariprasad Associates, Mysuru, 22.6.2023

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