Work-shy GRP cops’ conditions for help shock robbed man

Belapur GRP offered to take Giridhari Masamta, who was thrown out of a train, to hospital only if he lied the crime took place outside their jurisdiction

Mumbai: A commuter who was robbed and thrown out of a Belapur-bound train endured more trauma after work-shy railway cops, who didn’t want another case, offered to take him to a hospital only if he lied he was mugged outside their jurisdiction.

Giridhari Masamta, a 45-yearold marketing professional, alleged the Belapur GRP also asked him to arrange Rs 3,000 for his treatment despite knowing that all his cash had been snatched. He was forced to approach the Vashi GRP and got medical attention nearly four hours after the incident, which took place on August 30.

The case highlights rail authorities’ appalling indifference towards crime victims and the injured, who should be rushed to a hospital within the golden hour, the period when emergency care is most likely to be successful.

Masamta had suffered injuries to his face, neck and left leg. When he fell on the tracks, a small but sharp stone pierced his neck. He, however, didn’t require long hospitalisation.

Rupali Ambure, deputy police commissioner (GRP), told Mirror on Sunday that she would meet Masamta on Monday to learn more about the incident. “We are inquiring into the allegations. If they are true, we will take strict action against the cops concerned,” she said. This is not the first time authorities have been accused of not providing prompt medical aid to an injured commuter. In October last year, passengers staged a rail roko for 30 minutes at Kandivali station to protest against the alleged delay in providing treatment to a man who had fallen off a Churchgate-bound fast local.

Masamta had boarded a 10.23 pm local from Airoli to Belapur, where he lives, on August 30. “All the passengers in my compartment got down at Nerul. I was alone when three men entered the coach. They asked me about my destination and I told them it was Belapur as I didn’t find any particularly amiss about them,” he said.

“But as soon as the train left Seawoods, they started beating me and snatched my chain, three golden rings, wallet and two mobile phones.”

The terrified 45-year-old begged the gang not to hurt him more, but they pushed him out of the running train. “I landed on my backpack, which saved me from grievous injuries,” he said.

But Masamta still bled and walked along the tracks in the dark to reach Belapur station. “Cops in the Belapur GRP’s office were having dinner when I walked in. I narrated the incident to them and requested them to take me to a hospital. They refused,” he alleged.

“Following my pleas, they said would help me only if I agreed to lie that I was robbed and thrown out of the train near Vashi side of the Palm Beach Road. They also asked me to arrange Rs 3,000 for my treatment.”

A motorman who overheard the conversation then offered him Rs 300 and urged cops to help him. Finally, the Vashi GRP registered a case and Masamta was taken to the hospital in a train.

The three men who targeted him were arrested by the GRP’s Crime Branch on September 17. “They operated near Nerul railway station. We have recovered the rings and the chain. We suspect one more person is involved in the case,” Ambure said.