Robbed as He Died on Street

A disturbing incident in India’s capital has cast a harsh light on urban apathy and criminal opportunism, after a man suffering an apparent heart attack was left to die on a deserted street in New Delhi—robbed rather than rescued by passers-by.

According to police sources and CCTV footage later reviewed by investigators, the man collapsed on a public road in the early hours of the morning, writhing in visible pain. The incident occurred at around 4:00 a.m., when the streets were largely empty and few people were present to offer assistance. The footage shows the man struggling to move, attempting repeatedly to stand up despite severe physical distress. At several points, he appears to experience intense convulsions, consistent with symptoms of a major cardiac event.

During this critical period, two men arrived at the scene on a scooter. Instead of calling for medical help or alerting emergency services, they approached the victim with apparent criminal intent. CCTV visuals reveal that the pair first removed the man’s mobile phone. Unsatisfied, they then searched his pockets, seemingly hoping to find cash or other valuables. After spending a short time at the scene, the two men left, abandoning the victim in a state of extreme medical emergency.

Several hours later, at approximately 8:00 a.m., local residents noticed a man lying face down on the road. Initially unsure whether he was asleep or unwell, they observed him from a distance before eventually contacting the police. By the time officers arrived, the man had already died. His body was placed in a body bag and transported for further examination.

Police have since sent the body for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death. While preliminary indications strongly suggest that the man suffered a fatal heart attack, the autopsy report is expected to confirm whether timely medical intervention might have saved his life. Investigators have also noted that the theft of the victim’s mobile phone may have prevented him from calling for help or contacting family members during his final moments.

As of Tuesday, 3 February, the deceased man’s identity had not been established. No identification documents were found on his body, and the stolen phone has complicated efforts to trace his relatives. Authorities are currently analysing CCTV footage from surrounding areas in an attempt to identify and apprehend the suspects.

The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed debate in India about civic responsibility, bystander behaviour, and the erosion of basic human empathy in large cities. Medical experts have pointed out that rapid emergency response is often critical in cardiac cases, and that even a few minutes can determine survival.

Below is a summary of key details from the incident:

Beyond the criminal investigation, the case stands as a grim reminder that indifference can be as deadly as violence. In a moment when compassion and swift action could have made the difference between life and death, a man was instead left alone—robbed, ignored, and ultimately lost to the streets of a modern metropolis.