Indore locals help police catch snatcher

Indore: A 50-year-old man accused of snatching a woman’s gold chain in Tilak Nagar area was caught by locals and police after he and his accomplice lost control of their motorcycle and fell while trying to escape.

Police recovered the stolen chain and arrested the accused, who was later shifted to MY Hospital after suffering injuries in the fall.

According to Tilak Nagar Police, the incident took place on Friday evening when the complainant was on her way to a temple near her residence in Mahavir Nagar along with her son. As she reached near Mahavir Nagar Garden around 6 pm, two men riding a black motorcycle approached her. The pillion rider allegedly snatched her gold chain, causing her to fall on the road due to the sudden jerk.

Police said the motorcycle riders also lost balance and fell during the escape attempt. While the rider managed to flee with the motorcycle, nearby residents caught hold of the pillion rider on the spot and informed police. The accused identified himself as Zahid, 50, a resident of Khilchipur area in Rajgarh district, while the absconding accomplice was identified as Babu alias Gufran Ali, a resident of Pachore in Rajgarh district.

Officials said a portion of the broken gold chain remained with the complainant while another piece was recovered from the accused. The seized chain is valued at around Rs 1.2 lakh. A case was registered under relevant sections of the BNS and further investigation is underway.

Police said the accused sustained injuries to his leg and hand after falling from the motorcycle and was sent to MY Hospital for treatment. Investigators are also questioning him in connection with other robbery and theft cases as he has a previous criminal record. Efforts are on to trace the absconding accomplice.