May 5, 2016: One of the most horrifying experiences of my life!
That night was quite a night, not the kind you would want to experience.
The incident happened some 500 m from Omaxe Grand in Sector 93B, Noida, where I stay. I was on my way home from the Sector 18 market to celebrate my parents' anniversary. It was around 9.30 pm when a white Xylo or Bolero, bearing a commercial number plate, hit my car from behind. I stepped out to check the damage, like anyone else in my situation would have, without knowing what the people in the car were up to.
They blocked my way and seven to eight men stepped out of the car, with four of them armed with pistols and rods. One of them grabbed me from behind, another struck my leg with a rod and the third fired three rounds, of which one pierced my shoulder. In a fraction of a second, I was shot on my right shoulder by another guy. They started hitting me and slashing my T-shirt. I fell down in pain. Two of the men sat in my car. I had nearly Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 in cash, my Samsung Note 3 cellphone and GPS tracker (which, unfortunately, was off because of a drained battery) in my car at the time. They took both the cars towards Advant Navis Business Park, Sector 142, on the Noida Expressway.
People around saw what happened but nobody came forward to help. It was around 10 pm and I could not find any police cars patrolling nearby. I took the courage to start moving towards my society; I was bleeding badly, my tee was soaked in blood and and I was hurting. I could barely walk but managed to reach home somehow, and was immediately rushed to Yatharth Wellness Hospital, where I underwent an hours-long surgery to remove the bullets.
I was injured, shocked, horrified — not only physically but mentally, as I couldn't understand what, how and why it had happened to me, that too near my home, in such a crowded area. I am more insecure and scared for my family. Where is the beefed-up security that we were promised while electing the government? Not sure whether I will get my car, my cash or my cellphone. But the idea is to ensure authorities are under enough pressure to be on their toes, so that this does not happen again.
Please spread the word, share this. At least you and your dear ones can avoid being victims.
Rgds,
Akhil Chadha
R/o Grand Omaxe Sec 93B Noida
