In a brazen act of daylight robbery, two motorcycle-borne assailants targeted a retired police officer in Kanpur, snatching her gold chain valued at approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Awas Vikas Keshavpuram locality, underscores the audacity of street criminals.
CCTV Captures Daring Afternoon Snatching
The crime unfolded on Thursday afternoon near Gayatri Park in the Rawatpur area. The victim, Manju Lata Dubey, a retired Sub-Inspector from the CBCID, had stepped out of her home to offer water for worship at the park situated opposite her residence. According to her police complaint, two youths on a motorcycle approached her. While the rider wore a helmet, the pillion rider had covered his mouth and face.
The pillion rider initially pretended to ask for directions. In a sudden move, he grabbed the gold chain from Manju Lata Dubey's neck. When the retired officer attempted to resist, the miscreant pushed her to the ground and even tried to break her bangles. The duo then swiftly fled the scene on their motorcycle. The entire sequence was recorded by a CCTV camera installed outside a neighbouring house, providing crucial evidence to the police.
Police Launch Intensive Search Operation
Following the registration of the complaint, the Kanpur Police swung into action. ADCP (West) Kapil Dev Singh stated that two dedicated police teams have been deployed to identify and apprehend the accused. A search operation was immediately launched, and by evening, authorities had set up checkpoints at multiple locations across the city to scrutinize two-wheeler riders.
The victim's background adds a significant dimension to the case. Not only is she a retired SI from the Criminal Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CBCID), but her husband is also a government servant, posted as a Deputy Jailer in Mirzapur. The targeting of a former law enforcement officer's family in a crowded residential area has raised serious concerns about public safety.
Community Concern and Ongoing Investigation
This bold snatching in a prominent housing colony has left residents alarmed. The fact that criminals operated in broad daylight, using a classic modus operandi of asking for directions before striking, highlights the need for increased vigilance. Police are meticulously analyzing the CCTV footage to trace the motorcycle's route and identify the culprits.
ADCP Kapil Dev Singh assured that the miscreants will be arrested at the earliest. The investigation is actively pursuing all leads, with the CCTV footage being the central piece of evidence. The incident serves as a stark reminder for citizens, especially women and senior citizens, to be cautious with valuables while in public spaces, even in familiar neighbourhoods.
