Nigerian brutally beaten, robbed

A 34-year-old Nigerian national was allegedly brutally beaten and robbed of his valuables totaling around Rs 90,000 by two men, over returning borrowed money in Khar (west), on Saturday evening.

No arrest has been made so far. According to the Khar police, the Nigerian national has been identified as Chinoso Richard Alex who is in India on business.

The police said Mr Alex has a garment business and operates from an outlet in Mohammad Ali road area of South Mumbai.

One of the two accused too has a garment shop in the same road and Mr Alex and he knew each other well. About a fortnight ago, Mr Alex had given Rs 20,000 to one of the two accused with whom he had business relations.

When Mr Alex wanted his money back, the accused was not ready to return the same, the police said. In his police statement, Mr Alex stated that one of the two accused asked him to meet him under the false pretext of returning his money.

But when Mr Alex reached the spot in around 7.30 pm at 24th road, Khar (west), the two accused ganged up and started assaulting him, he said.

One of the accused used a stone while the second accused used an iron jack from his car to assault the Nigerian national.

“Mr Alex has suffered about eight stitches on his head and is presently being treated in Holy family hospital in Bandra. We have informed their embassy,” said an investigating official.

The accused are a 35-year-old from Aarey colony and a 38-year-old from Goregaon. The police has withheld their identity. Before fleeing the scene, the duo robbed Mr Alex of an 18 grams gold chain worth Rs 42,000, a mobile phone worth Rs 25,000 and Rs 22,500 in cash. They collectively robbed the Nigerian of valuables worth Rs 89,500.

Senior Police Inspector Dattatray Bargude of Khar police station said, “We have registered an FIR under section 397 (Robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code and are trying to trace the accused. We will trace them soon.”