Tolworth author robbed of valuable manuscript

1:13pm Monday 21st July 2008

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A Tolworth author has appealed for the return of his valuable manuscript after being robbed in Surbiton last night when he stopped to ask for directions.

Sohan Lal Saini, 72, of Hamilton Avenue, Tolworth was driving back from Surbiton station at 10.45pm when he wound down his window to ask directions back to Tolworth from three boys who were standing on the corner of Oakhill Road.

“I am upset and disgusted. I couldn’t sleep last night."

Sohan Saini

Mr Saini said one of the boys reached into the open window and snatched the blue fabric shoulder bag, containing his manuscript, a poetry notebook and some food, from the passenger seat in a "split second".

"I am shattered - I have lived in Tolworth since 1975 and nothing like this has ever happened before.

"This work is so precious to me - the book was all about my parents and had just been sent back to me by a publisher in Bombay for me to check."

Mr Saini, a widower who has four grandchildren, has written eight poetry books in Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi.

He said he immediately reported the incident to police and drove around with officers trying to find the culprits but had no luck.

"I am upset and disgusted. I couldn't sleep last night - it isn't of monetary value to anyone so I hope if someone finds it they will hand it in to police."