Published Date:
16-Dec-2010
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It is normal practice for aggrieved customers to accept the compensation offered in cases loss or damage to the booked goods. However, advocate Digvijay Chopra has filed an FIR under section 408 (theft by clerk or servant) of the Indian Penal Code with the Vile Parle police station against DTDC Couriers.

Chopra said that a parcel containing his personnel diary, some original property documents, and two pairs of Italian shoes were booked in his name from his parental home in Pathankot, Punjab, on March 27. It was to be delivered to him in Mumbai on March 29.

However, after several days, he was informed that though the parcel had reached the city, it was stolen from the Vile Parle branch. “I was offered a compensation of up to Rs1 lakh, but I refused,” Chopra informed.

“Air cargo companies have made hiding behind insurance a racket. I lost items of great emotional value and to me they were priceless. I want to send these delivery companies a message that they cannot always hide behind the Carriage Act,” he added.
“Section 408 stipulates imprisonment for seven years, and the provision of theft carries an additional sentence of three years,” said Chopra.

When contacted, Viplav Kaloskar, head the Vile Parle branch of DTDC, the one accused, along with assistant general manager Tushar Khurdkar, said that the police are making inquiries and refused to comment further. Both have obtained provisional bail in the case.