I ducked into my neighborhood pan shop to grab a cigarette packet and a lighter. The familiar clink of the vendor’s glass counter met my ears—until a piercing shout shattered the afternoon lull.

Setting the Scene

It was a busy street corner in Thane, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over rows of vendors. Customers jostled for space as rickshaw wheels rattled past. I was halfway through selecting my lighter when I heard the commotion.

A Sudden Storm

On the adjacent stall, a man calmly ordered Tobacco which is illegal. In a heartbeat, another customer appeared behind him and unleashed a furious tirade. His voice climbed into a high-pitched screech as he slapped the unsuspecting man so hard he collapsed to the ground.

Digging Deeper

Bystanders froze. The pan-shop vendor and I pressed closer, demanding an explanation. Through gritted teeth, the assailant revealed he’d lent this man ₹5,000 months earlier to cover a hospital admission.

But his wife later claimed she’d found the borrower in a garbage-strewn alley, beer bottle in hand, babbling to stray dogs and offering them swigs.

The Unraveling

Determined to expose the truth, the creditor followed the borrower two months later—only to find him enjoying beer, chicken lollipops, chakli, and pudina chutney at a local bar.

With a photographer friend, they secured CCTV footage and brought it, alongside a crime branch officer, to the police. A home visit revealed the real story:

  • The borrower’s wife works as a nurse.
  • Their daughter studies in 10th grade.
  • His brother runs a scrap business.
  • In a guest-house room, officers recovered over ₹18 lakhs in cash.

Echoes After the Slap

I finished my cigarette, watched the debtor clutch his creditor’s legs in desperate apology, then mounted my scotty
and rode away. The pan shop’s neon sign shimmered behind me as I pondered how easily compassion can be manipulated—and how vital it is to verify before you give.

Additional Insights

  • Recognize false hardship claims by spotting inconsistencies in stories.
  • Leverage local CCTV or community apps to validate suspicious behavior.
  • Set clear loan terms in writing—even a simple WhatsApp agreement helps.
  • Propose neighborhood awareness sessions to prevent extortion scams.