ALAPPUZHA: 78-year-old Sarasamma has still not recovered from the shock induced by the robbery attempt. Sarasamma runs a grocery shop near Arattuvazhi Bridge and it was in broad daylight that the robbery attempt happened and it shook her to the core. Every day, Sarasamma travels to her shop from her daughter's house in an auto-rickshaw. Like any other day, Sarasamma reached the shop and pulled up the shutter when a stranger wearing a helmet approached her. He asked for a pen and went quiet. But a second later, the stranger adopted his rogue shade and snatched away Sarasamma’s golden necklace.

Though initially frightened by the unexpected attack, Sarasamma did not falter. She ran back after the stranger stopped him from starting his vehicle and made him return the necklace. Hearing the commotion, a nearby vendor Shaji and his wife ran to Sarasamma’s rescue. In the meantime, the thief pushed Sarasamma and stormed away in the scooter.

Footage of the youth has been obtained from nearby CCTV cameras. The North Police showed the footage to local residents, but no one could recognize him. Adding more worries, the vehicle number was blurred in the footage.

Sarasamma is a relieved person as she got her three sovereign worth gold necklace back. However, she has taken a decision not to wear again any gold ornaments. “What if somebody cuts my neck to take away the necklace?” Sarasamma asked.

She has thus found new beauty in pearl necklace and has chosen it as her new pendant during work hours.” The gold was purchased eight years back and I feel sad not able to wear it again, but life is more important”

Even Sarasamma’s daughter is apprehensive about her mother wearing gold pendants as she alone runs the shop and the family is not writing off more of such heinous acts.