In a major breakthrough, Crime Branch and Adhartal Police have arrested four members of a gang, including two juveniles, involved in a series of chain and earring snatching incidents in the district. The accused committed six snatching cases and one motorcycle theft using a stolen sports bike. The arrested accused have been identified as Himanshu Kevat (21) of Bhulan Chowki, Lordganj and Santosh Kori (25) of Chhatarpur village under Panagar police station and two 17-year-old juveniles. Additional SP (Crime), Jitendra Singh, while addressing a press conference, on Monday, informed that the gang stole a Yamaha R15 motorcycle from the basement parking of Samdariya Mall under Omti police station on May 27. They later used the stolen bike to target women travelling on motorcycles across Adhartal, Panagar, Bargi, Tilwara and Madhotal areas. The accused snatched gold earrings from women riding pillion, leaving several victims with torn earlobes and injuries while fleeing the scene. In one incident, they even threatened victims with a knife when chased.

 

Following repeated incidents, Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay constituted a special team under the supervision of Additional SP (Crime) Jitendra Singh, CSP Adhartal Rajeshwari Kourav, and DSP Crime Udaybhan Bagri. The team analysed CCTV footage, questioned known offenders and deployed informers. On June 28, acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch and Adhartal Police intercepted two suspects riding the stolen blue Yamaha R15 in Anand Nagar. During interrogation, they confessed to stealing the motorcycle and committing six earring-snatching incidents with the help of the two juveniles. Police recovered six pairs of stolen gold earrings along with the stolen motorcycle, collectively valued at Rs 8 lakh. All four accused have been arrested in connection with seven criminal cases registered under various sections of BNS including robbery and vehicle theft. Police officials credited the successful operation to the coordinated efforts of the Crime Branch and Adhartal Police teams led by SHO, Vipin Tamrakar and Crime Branch Inspector Shailesh Mishra, along with several investigating officers and field personnel.