In a shocking incident, a Singapore permanent resident (PR) named Bahara became a victim of a violent robbery while on a business trip to Batam, losing his valuables and ending up with 17 stitches on his head as a result.
Robbery
On the evening of Jul. 26, Bahara found himself at the Nagoya Foodcourt, a popular spot frequented by tourists. The area, situated near a hotel and residential region, appeared tranquil at 3 am, with few people around.
Unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows, Bahara was engrossed in watching a YouTube video on his phone when he suddenly he felt a jarring blow to the back of his head, followed by several more strikes.
Startled and disoriented, Bahara realized that he was under attack. Despite the assault, he managed to maintain consciousness.
Two assailants swiftly snatched Bahara’s belongings and hastily escaped on foot, leaving him lying on the ground, injured and in pain.
After a few minutes, he gathered his strength and sought help from the nearby food center’s cleaners and stall assistants, who provided assistance.
Losses
Upon reaching a hospital approximately 10 minutes away, Bahara received medical attention for his injuries, which necessitated 17 stitches on the back of his head.
The robbers had taken his wallet, containing his NRIC, cash, and credit cards, along with his phone and passport. Moreover, Bahara’s spectacles were broken during the violent attack. He suspected that the attackers had wielded a large tree branch as a weapon.
Reporting the Incident
Despite the traumatic experience, Bahara promptly reported the incident to the local authorities. However, he expressed uncertainty regarding the possibility of retrieving his stolen phone, as he could not recall its unique IMEI number.
The IMEI number is crucial in tracking a phone’s last connection to the mobile phone network, but without it, the chances of locating the device become challenging.
Recovery and Support
Presently, Bahara is recuperating from his injuries in Batam, with the assistance of a supportive friend. He has informed his family about the incident but does not wish to overly worry them.
Through this troubling incident, Bahara hopes to raise awareness among visitors to Batam about potential dangers and urges caution when venturing into poorly lit areas or using unverified transportation services.