Yangon - Five suspects have been arrested in connection with a violent robbery that took place aboard a YBS-58 public bus in downtown Yangon, where a father and son were beaten and robbed in broad daylight.
The incident occurred on the morning of May 19 as U Saw Le Htoo Kyaw, 45, and his 19-year-old son Maung Khant Hte Ro Say Htoo were traveling on a YBS-58 bus from Wardan Road to 30th Street in Pabedan Township. According to police, the altercation began when U Saw Le Htoo Kyaw noticed a man attempting to pickpocket him. After he pushed the man away, a fight broke out.
The pickpocket, identified as Aung Moe (alias Hla Myaing or Ting Gyi), allegedly called for backup. He and five accomplices proceeded to surround and physically assault U Saw Le Htoo Kyaw and his son. When the bus reached the stop at Pansodan and Kanna roads in Kyauktada Township, the group dragged the victims off the bus, beat them, and stole a Redmi 9A mobile phone from U Saw Le Htoo Kyaw’s pocket.
Both victims sustained injuries and later filed a complaint at the Kyauktada Township Police Station (Case No. P/52/2025). Following an investigation, authorities identified the suspects as members of a known pickpocketing ring operating out of Kyimyindaing Township.
On May 21, police carried out a series of arrests, detaining five individuals who committed picketpockets previously. They are; Aung Ko Latt, 42, Kyaw Naing Oo (aka Kyan Kyaw), 27, Wai Phyo Aung (aka Wai Phyo), 30, Pyae Phyo Htwe (aka Pi Si), 22, Zaw Zaw Lwin (aka Bo Bo), 33.
The arrests were made at the suspects' homes. However, the primary suspect, Aung Moe aka Hla Myaing aka Tegyi, remains at large. Police say efforts to apprehend him and recover the stolen phone are ongoing.
According to statements obtained during questioning, Aung Moe was attempting to steal from U Saw Le Htoo Kyaw when the altercation began. The remaining suspects reportedly acted as lookouts or joined the assault once the theft was discovered.
Authorities have filed charges under Sections 379 (theft), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 114 (abetment) of the Penal Code. The Myanmar Police Force confirmed that further investigations are underway and that those responsible will face legal consequences.
