In a remarkable display of vigilance and quick thinking, a routine traffic enforcement operation in Chennai transformed into a successful crime-fighting mission on Tuesday night. The incident unfolded in the Kilpauk area, where head constable Riyaz along with constables Madhavan and Balamurugan were conducting standard checks to curb speeding vehicles on Gangadeeswarar Koil Street.
From Traffic Violation to Crime Tip
While the officers had placed barricades to slow down speeding traffic, their attention was drawn to a motorist who was riding on the wrong side of the road. As they prepared to issue him a traffic challan for this violation, the motorist provided crucial information that changed the nature of their operation entirely.
The rider explained that he was not merely breaking traffic rules but was actually pursuing a criminal. He informed the officers that he had witnessed a man in a distinctive khaki shirt snatch a woman's thaali (a traditional gold marriage necklace) and flee down the same lane. This immediate tip transformed what began as a routine traffic stop into an urgent manhunt.
Swift Police Response and Apprehension
The traffic personnel demonstrated exceptional presence of mind by springing into action without delay. They quickly commandeered another motorcycle to scour the surrounding area for the suspect described by the motorist. Their systematic search soon yielded results when they spotted a man matching the description—wearing a khaki shirt—attempting to blend into the traffic flow and slip away unnoticed.
When the officers moved in to question the suspect, he attempted to flee on foot, prompting an immediate chase. The determined policemen pursued him through the streets and successfully apprehended him after a brief pursuit. The arrested individual was subsequently handed over to the Kilpauk police station for further investigation and processing.
Identification and Recovery of Stolen Property
During the subsequent police inquiry, the suspect was identified as Saran, also known by the alias 'Meen kuzhambu' Saran, a 27-year-old individual with a known history of chain-snatching activities in the Kilpauk area. This identification confirmed that the apprehended person was indeed a serial offender targeting gold ornaments in the locality.
The police search following his arrest proved fruitful as they recovered significant stolen property. Among the items retrieved was a five-sovereign gold chain along with various other gold ornaments. The total weight of the recovered gold amounted to approximately seven sovereigns, representing substantial value and multiple potential thefts.
Recognition for Exemplary Police Work
Senior police officials later formally appreciated the three traffic policemen—Head Constable Riyaz and Constables Madhavan and Balamurugan—for their alertness and swift response. Their ability to quickly adapt from routine traffic enforcement to criminal apprehension based on a citizen's tip demonstrated exceptional professional competence and dedication to public safety.
This incident highlights how routine police work can unexpectedly intersect with serious criminal investigations, and how alert officers can make significant contributions to community safety beyond their designated duties. The successful apprehension prevented further chain-snatching incidents in the area and led to the recovery of valuable stolen property.
