Chalakudy: A youngster, who had been evading police after snatching 20 chains in just three and a half months, has been arrested by a special police team here.
The culprit, identified as Amal (20), a native of Kuttichira, had been targeting women pedestrians above the age of 50. He was arrested by a police team headed by DySP R Santhosh following a special operation.
Chain snatching incidents had been widely reported in Thrissur district for several months. On January 11, 2019, the gold chain of Ramani, a native of Chalakudy was snatched. Following this, the district police chief directed Chalakkudy DySP to form a special squad to nab the culprits.
On January 29, Anitha, a native of Kammalam, lost her chain in a similar way. This proved to be a turning point in the case.
Further investigations revealed that the snatcher in both incidents was a man on a black motorbike wearing a helmet and a bag. With the help of CCTV footages from nearby areas, police found that the bike was a black Yamaha FZ. However, the number plate was covered.
Police then contacted two-wheeler dealers and collected details of all black coloured Yamaha FZ bikes sold since January 2017. They also collected details about people who were involved in similar crimes. By comparing the two lists, the police narrowed down the investigation to eight bikes. Police officials then secretly installed GPS devises on these bikes. All the while, chain snatchings were widely reported in the district.
Detailed investigations revealed that chain snatchings took place between 10 am and 3.30 pm. Police soon realised that Amal’s bike was present in areas from where the snatchings were reported. Police then tracked his activities and observed his house and premises. After confirming that Amal was the culprit, police took him into custody. During interrogation, Amal confessed to the crime.
Amal, who was a newspaper distributer, started chain snatching during the second half of October, 2018. His first offence took place near Bright Star Club in Chalakudy. Following that, he continued to snatch chains from Meloor, Koodappuzha, Pariyaram, Koovakkattukunnu, Kadungad, near Chalakudy Luciya Bar, Mechira, Nayarangadi, Near Panambilly college, Thessery and Mannuthy among others.
Amal admitted that he lavishly spent the money by travelling to places outside Kerala and staying in luxury hotels and resorts with his friends. Police are also investigating about his friends. Amal was produced before the magistrate court which remanded him for two weeks.
