When a drunk cop turned chain snatcher

On Thursday night, a police constable attached to the Jnanabharathi police station made a futile bid to snatch a woman’s gold chain while returning home after beat duty. The woman, Bhavya, did not cower when the constable, Gangaraju, went for her necklace. She chased him on her two-wheeler, caught up with him and rained a few blows on him before handing him over to the police with the help of an alert public. To top it all he was drunk. Gangaraju was immediately put under suspension. As a token of appreciation for her brave act, Bidari announced a cash prize of Rs 5,000 to her.

According to Kamakshipalya police, Bhavya, who is pursuing a Master of Social Work course at Goutham College, Bangalore University, and lives at Basaveshwara Nagar, rode a two-wheeler to her parents-in-law’s house in Kamakshipalya.  After dinner, her husband, Vasu, a businessman, left for home. While Vasu drove his car, Bhavya was on her two-wheeler.

Meanwhile, constable Gangaraju was also on his way home on a bike. After crossing the Housing Board bus stop, Vasu picked up speed and was ahead of Bhavya. Seeing Bhavya fall back, Gangaraju rode close to her two-wheeler and stuck out his hand in an attempt to snatch her chain. But he failed as an alert Bhavya evaded the predator’s hand. 

As she protested and raised a hue and cry, Gangaraju accelerated in an attempt to flee. Bhavya did not give up. She too picked up speed and chased him for nearly two kilometres, before succeeding in catching up with him near Karekal, within Kamakshiplya police station limits.

A few bystanders rushed to pin down Gangaraju to ensure he could not escape when Bhavya cried for help. They also severely beat up the trapped constable. Bhavya immediately called up Vasu and narrated what happened. Within minutes, Vasu was at the spot.

Bhavya later told Deccan Herald: “All was well when my husband and me started towards our home. The constable started following me and I was shocked when he laid his hand on my neck. At that time I did not know that Gangaraju was a constable. It’s a shame on the police department. Who else should protect women from chain snatchers when the police themselves turn to such awful deeds? The police higher ups should initiate disciplinary action against him.”

On Friday, Bidari said that the constable had tarnished the reputation of the police department. “But I am extremely happy that a woman chased an erring constable and caught him. We will take action against Gangaraju.” Interestingly, Gangaraju realised the gravity of his offence on Friday morning. “I was in an inebriated condition last night as I had consumed liquor. I really don’t what happened last night. It’s only this morning, after I came out of the hangover, that I realised the seriousness of the crime. I am ashamed of committing the crime,” said the constable.  He joined the department in 2003 and lives in the police quarters on Magadi Road with his wife and a child.