Bengaluru Police Nab Couple in High-Value Gold Chain Theft Case
In a significant breakthrough, the Bengaluru police have arrested a couple accused of orchestrating a series of gold chain thefts from devotees and commuters across the city. The operation led to the recovery of booty valued at approximately Rs 60 lakh, shedding light on a sophisticated criminal enterprise that targeted crowded public spaces.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gayatri, aged 33, and her husband Srikanth, aged 42. They are residents of Sampigenagar in Kammasandra and originally hail from HD Kote in Mysuru district. The couple first came under police scrutiny on December 23 last year, following a theft incident that sparked the investigation.
Modus Operandi and Confessions
During intensive interrogation, Gayatri and Srikanth confessed to committing multiple thefts at various locations, including temples, village fairs, and BMTC buses. Their method involved using cutters to swiftly snip gold chains from unsuspecting victims, taking advantage of crowded environments where vigilance is often low.
One notable case linked to their activities involved Lakshmamma, a 45-year-old woman who lost her 30-gram gold chain while collecting prasadam at the Mariyamma temple in Devasandra. This incident was among several that highlighted the couple's brazen tactics.
Lavish Lifestyle and Disposal of Stolen Gold
Police investigations revealed that the duo led an extravagant lifestyle, funded by their illicit gains. Gayatri allegedly spent nearly Rs 1 lakh per month on beauty products and salon visits, indicating the scale of their earnings from the thefts.
To conceal their crimes, the stolen gold was melted down and remade into new ornaments. These were then pledged at various banks and jewellery shops, creating a complex trail that complicated recovery efforts. The police have managed to trace and recover a substantial portion of the booty, valued at around Rs 60 lakh.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following their arrest, Gayatri and Srikanth have been remanded to judicial custody. The case is now under further investigation to uncover any additional thefts or accomplices involved in their operations. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant in crowded places and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar incidents.
This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by Bengaluru police to combat street crimes and protect citizens from such predatory schemes, especially in religious and public transport settings.
