SMS warns citizens of roadside robbers

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

* Text warns of gang of robbers, that will attack if motorists stop on deserted roads at night

By Afnan Khan

LAHORE: Citizens are terrified because of massive circulation of a text message warning them to be aware of a ruthless gang of murderers and robbers who could ambush people driving around in deserted areas of the city late at night.

The senders had not only warned recipients about the threat posed by the gang, but are also urging them to forward the message to other people as well. Rumours are a common part of psychological warfare in modern age, and enemies of a state mostly use them to demoralise the citizens as well as the governments.

The abundance of mobile phones had made it very easy for people to spread such rumours with ease to the masses. However, the city police had neither warned the public about the presence of such a gang in the city, nor have they tried to catch the people who are behind creating panic among the citizens.

It is pertinent to mention that no newspaper, radio or TV channel had reported the presence of such a gang in the city, which strengthens the view that the message being circulated is merely a rumour.

The first part of the message warns people not to stop their cars if they see a car seat lying on the road with a baby in it, because it could be a trap set up by the gang.

The message adds, the gang members would be hiding somewhere close by to rob a person or kill them if they stopped to check what was going on.

The message starts with, “The local police has reported a gang who is going around placing a car seat on the road with a dummy of a baby in it, waiting for people to stop and check. The trap is usually set near a wooded or grassy area and if a person stops to check, they will be dragged in and robbed or beaten to death.” It further adds that do not stop for any reason, dial 15 and report the act, but do not even slow down.

The second part of the message reads, “If you are driving at night and eggs are thrown at your windscreen, do not stop, do not operate your wipers or spray water because eggs mixed with water become milky and block your vision, which would force you to stop. Pass on the message, thanks.” However, Superintendent of Police (Security) Faisal Rana told Daily Times that the police had not heard of any such gang.

He said this sounded like an act of some miscreant, who is trying to scare the citizens.