Bag Sewania police on Wednesday cracked the sensational chain-snatching case reported inside a lift at AIIMS Bhopal. A 25-year-old nursing student from a private college was arrested in connection with the crime. Police have recovered the looted mangalsutra following a confession from the accused, identified as Sunil Meena. According to police, Meena committed the crime to clear mounting debts, fund a lavish lifestyle, and spend on his girlfriend. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Varsha Soni, a female attendant at AIIMS, was targeted inside a lift near the Blood Bank area.Meena, wearing a mask and cap, entered the lift and inquired about the location of the Ophthalmology Department. As the lift reached the third floor, he stepped out but suddenly turned back to snatch Soni’s gold chain and mangalsutra.

 

While the gold necklace snapped and fell on the spot during the struggle, the accused managed to flee with the mangalsutra. Bag Sewania Station House Officer Amit Soni stated that multiple teams were formed to track the culprit. “We examined CCTV footage from the campus, the lift, and surrounding escape routes. The suspect’s visuals were circulated on social media and WhatsApp groups for identification,” Soni said. Using technical surveillance, police traced Meena to the Laharpur area of Katara Hills. Meena, originally from Baran district in Rajasthan, is a nursing student at a private college in Misrod. Investigations led police to Mandideep resident Pushpraj Soni, with whom the stolen jewellery had been kept.

 

The ornament has since been recovered. In the wake of the security breach, AIIMS management has implemented a three-tier zoning system to monitor movement: Restriction Zone: Entry is strictly prohibited for outsiders in operation theatres (OT), laboratories, administrative offices, and doctors’ chambers. Common Zone: Access to wards and IPD (In-Patient Department) areas will be restricted to attendants holding valid security passes only. Open Zone: OPD and registration areas remain open to the general public without the requirement of a pass. No entry pass without valid attendant pass To bolster safety, AIIMS will now mandate the use of attendant passes for the IPD wing. Hospital management believes that stopping unauthorised movement will prevent similar incidents.

 

While the campus sees a footfall of over 10,000 people during OPD hours, several areas become deserted in the evening, making them vulnerable. AIIMS Director Madhavanand Kar has directed security agencies to ensure guards are stationed at all entry and exit points.