I’ve often lamented the anarchy on our streets, but never like this! Thus far, this reference to lawlessness has been in describing how pedestrians, cattle, rickshaws, scooters, bikes, three-wheelers, cars, SUVs, vans, buses and trucks all assume the right-of-way in any, and every, direction – and all at the same time. But, in this instance, it’s more sinister than that.
You never think that it’ll happen to you. But it can, so it’s best to be prepared. The other night, on the way home from a late evening at work, our fearless creative director (in his art, and not necessarily in the face of life threatening danger – although that too, as it turns out) was heading home on the Gurgaon-Faridabad highway in the NCR when he was waved down, ostensibly, by two cops on a bike. After authoritatively inquiring about his whereabouts on a particular date a few days prior, they asked to see the car papers. On producing these, Kapil sensed trouble. When he suggested that the documents would be best examined at a better location, he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun – shortly after which he was made a passenger at the behest of his two handgun wielding captors while they made their way to the nearest ATM. This brazen journey was made in convoy to Mathura Road (National Highway 2) – with one bike leading, and another following.
Unfortunately, their appetite for crisp bank notes was thwarted by the daily limit for withdrawals at the ATM. This was 10pm, so they would make another visit just past the stroke of midnight – once the banking system had been reset. Clearly this was a well-rehearsed crime. In the meantime, they did everything they could to extort either more cash or jewelry – even considering hasty ransom calls in the interim. Keeping a level head in the face of imminent danger, Kapil managed to foil these plans – all the while appearing agreeable enough to avoid either getting seriously injured or fatally wounded. So, after another trip to the same ATM, thankfully, he was set free just as quickly as he was abducted in the first place.
If all this sounds like fiction, I assure you that it’s not. So, here are a few precautions that you should take to avoid finding yourself in a similar situation. Firstly, always be aware of your surroundings – when getting in and out of your car, as well as when you’re out on the road of course. Most modern cars lock their doors automatically on the move. If yours don’t, make it a habit to do so every time you get in the car. On a deserted road, never stop for anyone. Even if it’s the police waiving you down, stop only when you think its safe – such as in a well lit and crowded area, or at a police check post. If someone nudges your car on the road, never get out to confront the other driver – leaving your car unlocked and unattended, as you could well have some unwelcome co-passengers on your return. If all this fails, and you still find yourself cornered – as a last resort, use your vehicle as a weapon. After all, it can be just as lethal as a firearm. The aim should always be to get out of a frightening situation before it begins. As an additional precaution, carry a can of pepper spray in the glove box – you can buy one at a large chemist.
One final observation, its clear that thieves take advantage of the witching hour to make more than one visit to an ATM with innocent (and soon-to-be poorer) victims. So, why not change the 24-hour cycle of ATMs to a more civilized hour – such as 8am for instance? That way, it’s a lot less likely to have people abducted in the dead of night for multiple visits to the bank.
These gory details aside, the sad part is that this Banana Republic we call home appears to have slowly, but surely, migrated to the Wild West!
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