Foreign tourist loses iPhone worth Rs 1.5 lakh in Amritsar snatching

A London- based model lost her iPhone 17 Pro Max, worth around Rs 1.5 lakh, as a motor cycle borne snatcher targeted her auto near Ramtalai chowk in Amritsar on October 31 after visiting the Attari Wagah border She has filed a complaint with the police and later shared a video recounting the incident. She thanked locals who came forward to help her. The tourist, identified as Lali, was travelling with Punjabi and foreign tourists in an auto-rickshaw driven by Vicky. She said the group had enjoyed lassi, music and conversations during their journey back from the border.

Recounting the incident, Lali said she was seated in the front of the auto-rickshaw, with her iPhone 17 Pro Max resting on her lap. Despite holding it firmly, a motorcycle-borne man approached the vehicle near Ramtalai Chowk and snatched the phone before fleeing.
She claimed that the motorcycle did not have a number plate. Her phone case also contained a peacock feather gifted to her by a stranger during her visit to India, making the loss particularly upsetting.

Locals step forward to help tourist. Lali said auto-rickshaw driver Vicky lent her his spare phone, while hotel owner Vikas arranged an international call so she could speak to her parents. Both also helped her during the process at the police station.
Her friend Nadeem provided her with money to purchase another phone and booked her flight ticket back to Pune, where she planned to celebrate Diwali.

Despite the incident, Lali said her affection for India, Punjab and Amritsar remained unchanged. She described it as her ninth visit to India and said the kindness shown by locals during a difficult situation made her feel at home.
She also urged tourists visiting Amritsar to remain cautious and keep their mobile phones and other valuables secure while travelling.
Lali has also worked as a model in Punjabi music video ‘Sohni Nahi’, released on YouTube on July 15, 2026. The song has received more than 2.5 lakh views so far.