Chain snatcher slashes woman vendor's neck

A suspected robber slashed a woman shopkeeper's neck when she resisted his attempts to lift her gold chain in northern Bengaluru on Monday. In a swift action, police tracked down the suspect within hours.

Vanajakshi, the wife of Venkatesh, was in her grocery store located right next to her home in Shettihalli. Vinok K, the suspect from Muthyala Nagar, Yeshwantpur, came to the store around 3.30 pm on the pretext of buying cigarettes. As the shopkeeper turned around to get the item, he lunged her and tried to snatch the gold chain she was wearing.

Vanajakshi showed grit and resisted the attack, besides screaming for help. In a desperate attempt, Vinod slashed her neck but still failed to get the chain. Sensing trouble, he fled the spot. Passersby rushed to the store moments later and found Vanajakshi bleeding. They took her to a hospital. She was discharged after initial treatment.

She filed a police complaint on Monday evening and police caught the suspect hours later. Vinod told the police that he badly needed money after having lost Rs 10 lakh in a bakery business.