The entertainment world is a mixed bag of cookies that is filled with drama, controversies, juicy news and mishaps. On October 26, 2024, Gaurav Sareen who is best known for his role in shows like Udaan, Krishna Chali London and more, was robbed and badly beaten by goons in Istanbul. Times Now/ Telly Talk India reached out to Gaurav to understand what really went wrong and how helpful has the police been towards him.
Here are the excerpts from the conversation-
What really happened?
I'm so frustrated to be honest. Basically, I was in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul. I was shopping and there were these people who were following me and I did not really notice them until they pounced on me. Somebody snatched my bag, backpack and all that I shopped. There were three of them and I really tried to take my backpack but then they hit me.
One guy snatched things out of my hand while another one of them held my hands. Then the third guy popped up from somewhere. As I tried to retrieve my things, they hit me bad. These guys started checking out my pockets. They took almost all €300 (Rs 27,301.29) that I had. They took my backpack which consisted of my passport, my cards, and other essential things. I really fought with them to get my backpack back.
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And then what happened?
So I was trying to grab my backpack, but this guy punched my face. The third guy pulled out a knife and the locals started coming. They were literally seeing everything unfold but none of them were willing to help. Nobody stopped, nobody tried to help; rather once these guys ran away with my money, the locals blamed me for what happened to me. They said how it was all my fault. They mentioned how you are not supposed to roam here alone. They said to me, “You might have, pulled out your money and screamed you are a tourist.” Another one said, “They were following you for so long. They follow people, and then they stab them for a mere $100. And you had so much euros."
Did you go to the police?
Yes yes, I did. There was a police car nearby. I went and asked for help. One I was not able to fathom how such a thing can happen and then when I went to the police, they clearly were not ready to help. I seriously felt helpless. There were two police officers in the police car. In a state of panic, I told them that I got robbed in the back s
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treet and three men were there and that they tried showing me the knives, etc. I was trying my best to report the crime to them. But they only had one response, “You are tourist. You go to police station, write complaint, then they will look into the matter. Until then, we can’t do anything.”
Did you go to the police station later on?
No, I didn’t not. I returned to my hotel where I have been staying for the past couple of days. I felt so dejected and helpless with the police and locals approach to the whole matter. The locals where I'm staying right now, told me, “If you will file a complaint, they will try to take some money from you. The police will only make you wait here for, like, another couple of weeks and then no solution. They will tell you we found nothing in the cameras and all and blah blah blah. So it's all about wasting your time here.” Also I am still trying to come in terms with what has happened.
Are you in Istanbul for a vacation or work?
I came here for a music video shoot. My team left after we wrapped up the schedule. I choose to stay back so that I could explore the place. Who knew this would backfire in the worst way possible. Yesterday (October 27) was my 1st day on my own here in Istanbul.
When do you leave from Istanbul?
Initially, I had to leave on Wednesday (October 30) for Greece. For now I am staying here in the hotel for 2 -3 days. I have booked a flight for Monday. Honestly, if you ask me now, I don't know if I will be able to go there or not because this is, like, really disturbing.
Are you safe there? You even have a black eye after the whole incident.
I am in my hotel right now. I know 2-3. people here. I am just trying to survive this week. About the black eye, it’s because I got hit very badly. They, they beat me to make me leave my things as I was trying to retrieve my things. I did get 2-3 blows.
How much money were your robbed off?
They have taken in cash around €400 (Rs 36,401.72). And, whatever I had shopped was like another €250 – 300. Total, approx €700 (Rs 63,703).