Guwahati, once celebrated for its vibrant culture and bustling markets, has recently witnessed a disturbing rise in criminal activities, transforming the city into a playground for crime. A recent incident involving a nurse has highlighted the pressing issue of safety in public spaces, particularly on public transport.

The theft occurred during the nurse’s routine commute from Apsara in Paltan Bazar to Ganeshguri. While traveling on a crowded city bus, she became the victim of pickpocketing, losing 1,700 rupees and several vital documents. The incident raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place, even in a city that prides itself on being a “smart city.”
According to the nurse, two women boarded the bus at Khanapara, one sitting in front of her and the other behind. Unbeknownst to her, they were plotting to steal from her bag. The nurse recounted her experience, stating, “I had papers and 1,700 rupees in my bag. I got into the vehicle in Apsara. In Khanapara, two women boarded the bus at ABC. One was in front of me, and the other was behind me. I didn’t notice who took the money.”
She realized her belongings were missing only after disembarking at Ganeshguri, where she discovered her bag was open and its contents had been pilfered. In a panicked attempt to recover her items, she searched for the thieves but lost track of them as they exited the bus in different directions.