Chain snatching: 15 cases solved; gold worth ` 6.3L recovered

Initiative of four youngsters helps police solve 5-year-old case

The exemplary courage shown by four youngsters in nabbing a chain snatcher a few days back in Kuvempunagar has helped police solve 15 cases and led to the recovery of golden ornaments weighing 243 grams worth Rs 6.31 lakh.

In addition to arresting an additional chain snatcher, the police have also been able to solve a case of chain snatching, which took place about five years ago. The arrested duo - both auto drivers - have been identified as Manjunath R alias Manju son of Ramu D and S Raghu, son of D Shivanna, both residents of Vidyaranyapuram.

On March 20, Deepti, daughter of Shankaran and resident of Kuvempunagar was waylaid by a youth near Basudev Somani College. The girl raised an alarm, alerting four youths, who chased the miscreant on their two-wheelers. They were later successful in nabbing Manjunath.

The four youngsters - Yashas Urs M, Manukumar, S Dileep and Tejas Urs - have been awarded Rs 2,000 by the police department for their courage. 

Recalling their brush with the chain snatchers, Tejus Urs said that the assailant had snatched the chain and was fleeing in a TVS Champ. At the same time, Tejas and his brother Yashas, who were on a moped, along with Manu Kumar and Dileep chased the miscreant Manjunath and intersected him near Amma Complex in Kuvempunagar and handed him over to the police.

Subsequent interrogation revealed that the Raghu was also involved along with Manjunath in chain snatching cases dating back to 2007. They were involved in snatching two gold chains in Krishnaraja, eight in Kuvempunagar, three in Vidyaranyapuram and two in Saraswathipuram police limits. 

Their involvement dated back to one case registered in 2007, two in 2010, eight in 2011 and four in 2012.

Speaking to mediapersons, police commissioner K L Sudheer commended the action of the youth involved in nabbing the chain snatcher. He said their presence of mind had led to the police recovering a huge haul of gold chains.

He said under the guidance of DCP Basavaraj Malagathi, ACP A N Prakashgowda a team led by Kuvempunagar police inspector K N Yashwanthkumar, PSI Krishnakumar, Mahadevaiah, Krishnmurthy, Ganesh, Ramegowda, Mahadev, Anand, Rafeeq Ulla, M M Kumar, Ramaiah, Rajashekar, Mahadevappa, Kumar and Kushal Raje Urs had arrested Raghu.

RI for abetting suicide

The fourth additional district and sessions judge Kamala has sentenced four persons to three years rigorous imprisonment for abetting a person to commit suicide.

Ravi son of Siddaraju, Sridhar son of Krishnegowda, Rangaswamy son of Srinivas and Jammu son of Mahadevappa - residents of K G Koppal - have been convicted for abetting the suicide of Srikanth. 

The four convicted had harassed Srikanth to pay chit installment, following which the latter unable to bear the harassment committed suicide.Saraswathipuram police have registered a case and filed a charge sheet against the four. The judge also imposed a penalty of Rs 5,000 each on the convicted. Additional public prosecutor H C Chinival argued the case.