Pakistani Rickshaw Driver flees with Woman’s Dowry

A rickshaw driver in Sheikhupura was arrested after fleeing with a woman’s dowry items, thanks to the Safe City surveillance system.

Upon reaching the destination, the driver fled the scene with dowry comprising of clothing worth PKR 250,000 (£720).

The victim immediately reported the theft via the 15 Helpline, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.

Safe City cameras traced the rickshaw’s movement and the Virtual Patrolling Officer provided crucial evidence to the local police.

This led to the swift arrest of the rickshaw driver, hours after the crime took place.

The police returned the stolen items to the bride.

Meanwhile, in Karachi’s North Nazimabad No. 4 area, a similar case left a family devastated just weeks before a wedding.

The victim’s mother and aunt had gone to Liaquatabad Market to purchase essential items for the dowry.

After loading their purchases, including expensive kitchenware, into a rickshaw, they set off for Orangi Town.

As they neared Nazimabad No. 4, the driver claimed that the rickshaw was out of fuel.

He claimed he would push the rickshaw manually towards a nearby petrol pump and then drive back to them, which he never did.

The distressed family immediately reported the crime to the police, but instead of registering a formal FIR, they were given a handwritten complaint.

CCTV footage from the market later emerged, showing the suspect in a traditional salwar kameez, seemingly trying to avoid security cameras.

Evidence suggested the driver had been lurking at the market, targeting victims in a premeditated theft.

The suspect’s brother was caught on February 9, 2025, attempting to sell some of the stolen goods in a local market.

But according to the police, the driver still remains at large.

The incident has sparked concerns over the rising number of such cases, with many urging authorities to enforce stricter regulations on rickshaw drivers.

Social media users have called for increased surveillance and better law enforcement to prevent similar crimes.

The authorities highlighted that wedding preparations often make families vulnerable to such thefts.

They advised them to take precautions against such incidents.

The Karachi-based family still awaits the return of their stolen dowry items, hoping for swift action from the authorities.

Users are urging the Karachi police to take action like the Sheikhupura police did in helping the theft victims.