A daring chain-snatching incident took place inside the high-security premises of AIIMS Bhopal on Sunday evening. The incident has sparked serious concerns regarding safety of staff and patients within the premier medical institute. CCTV footage of the crime, which surfaced on Monday, depicts a major security lapse in the hospital’s Internal Patient Department (IPD).The incident occurred inside a lift near the Blood Bank area. The victim, Varsha Soni, an attendant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, was on duty and alone in the elevator when a youth wearing a mask and a cap entered. According to the police complaint, the unidentified assailant initially feigned a query regarding the Ophthalmology Department. As the lift reached the third floor, the suspect stepped out but immediately turned back to assault Soni, attempting to snatch her gold chain and mangalsutra.

 

Despite the victim’s resistance, the accused overpowered her, pushed her to the floor and fled using the stairs. While the gold chain broke and fell at the scene during the struggle, the assailant successfully escaped with the mangalsutra. The lapse in security was highlighted by total absence of personnel near the lift area during the assault. The victim remained in a state of shock at the scene until a security guard on routine patrol discovered her and alerted senior administration. While a written complaint was submitted to Bagsewania Police Station, authorities are currently processing formal FIR. Preliminary findings suggest the suspect exited through the IPD gate. Although security agency officials argued that the mask and cap hindered immediate identification, law enforcement remains optimistic. Bhopal DCP Zone-2 Vivek Singh, confirmed that a case of chain snatching has been registered. “This is the first such incident reported within AIIMS premises.

 

The nature of crime suggests the perpetrator was familiar with internal layout of the hospital. We are actively pursuing leads,” Singh stated. Bagsewania Police Station In-charge Amit Soni, added that the culprit has been nearly identified through technical surveillance. “Multiple teams have been deployed to trace and apprehend the suspect,” Soni said.