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Journalism of Courage
Pickpocketing in buses is a common issue in big cities like Bengaluru. However, a recent Reddit post highlighted a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus conductor’s quick reflexes that helped save a passenger’s phone from being stolen.
In the post, the commuter shared details of the incident during his usual daily journey. He described feeling a slight push while boarding the bus but were taken aback when the conductor suddenly shouted.
“I usually take the bus to my office in Lalbagh and often change buses to save time,” the user wrote. Their route involved boarding buses from HSR BDA complex to Madivala and then catching one to KR Market. On this day, he had at NIMHANS to wait for a Lalbagh-bound bus when an empty 343 (Begur – KR Market) arrived. As the bus stoppe, the passenger rushed to board through the rear door.
“While I was boarding, I felt someone push me from behind. I didn’t think much of it until the conductor yelled, ‘Eyyy, en madthidiya (What are you doing?)’,” the user said. Moments later, the sound of something dropping caught his attention—it was his phone.
The conductor quickly pointed to a man behind him, accusing him of attempting to steal the phone. Startled, the passenger picked up the phone as the conductor continued shouting at the culprit, even threatening to call the police. The man fled, but his escape was hilariously slowed down by two-wheelers overtaking the bus.
The passenger expressed gratitude for the conductor’s alertness, describing him as a bespectacled man with a buzz cut and beard. “I thanked him profusely. He told me to be more careful, reminding me that even the most vigilant people can be outsmarted. He also mentioned that these pickpockets often come from Hosur and target people standing near the door since it’s easier to make a quick getaway.”
The incident brought back memories of a phone theft the user experienced a decade ago on the same route. He also praised the conductor for his valuable advice: “Hinde hogi! (Move to the back and stay away from the door).”
To help fellow passengers, the user shared practical tips he learned, “1.Always keep your phone in your bag, or play music using wired earphones at ALL times. 2. If the conductor tells you to move behind, try your best to. If not possible, keep a good watch on your belongings. 3. Always keep your bag in front. It not only repels thieves but also makes the life of co-passengers easier.”
See the post:
Phone almost picked; BMTC conductor foiled bid!
byu/AllIndiaPermit inBengaluru
The post struck a chord with many users, leading them to recount their own experiences in the comments.
One user suggested, “Just get a fanny pack or wear a small backpack. It’s too risky out here to put phones and wallet right in our pockets.”
Another user shared, “Learned my lesson when some lady picked my phone from the front pocket of backpack while de-boarding. I still remember how she used her dupatta to hide her hands. It’s always better to keep it in the bag (preferably the second compartment) or hold it in hand.”
A third user commented, “Dont play music. One of your senses will be lost. Also treat everyone as a thief in crowded bus. Keep a lookout for the hands of people next to you. Has helped me till now. Hopefully in future as well.”
The viral post serves as a reminder that many such incidents can be avoided with a bit of attentiveness and awareness.
