In a swift operation, Kanpur Police have arrested a man accused of brazenly snatching the purse of a female police constable who was returning home from duty. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of a Sunday, sent shockwaves through the local law enforcement community.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The victim, identified as Pinky Pal, serves as a computer operator at the women's police station and resides in the quarters at Chamanganj police station. According to officials, the crime took place on the morning of December 28. After finishing her night duty, Pal was walking home. She had just alighted from an auto-rickshaw at P Road in the Gandhi Nagar area when two assailants arrived on a scooter.
In a matter of seconds, they snatched her purse and sped away. The stolen bag contained Rs 10,000 in cash, a Bluetooth device, her police identification card, Aadhaar card, and other crucial documents. A shaken Pinky Pal subsequently filed a formal complaint at the Sisamau police station, triggering an intensive investigation.
The Intensive Investigation and Arrest
Addressing the media on Thursday, DCP Central Shravan Kumar Singh detailed the police's meticulous efforts to crack the case. Officers scoured footage from more than 300 CCTV cameras across the city to trace the culprits' escape route. The digital trail revealed that after the robbery, the duo travelled to Chamanganj, passing through Ajmeri Chauraha and Jarib Chowki.
The breakthrough led to the arrest of the primary accused, Maroof, a resident of Kanghimohal. Police revealed that Maroof works in a slipper factory. On the night of December 27, he and an accomplice had been drinking alcohol and roaming the area. After running out of money, they allegedly decided to commit a robbery. Spotting Pinky Pal alone in the early morning, they deemed her an easy target.
From the accused, police have successfully recovered the scooter used in the crime, Rs 1,400 in cash, and the constable's I-card and Aadhaar card. The search for Maroof's absconding accomplice is still ongoing.
Recognition and Continued Search
Commending the investigative team for its diligent work, DCP Central announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the officers involved in solving the case. This arrest highlights the police department's commitment to ensuring the safety of its own personnel and citizens alike, especially against street crimes like purse snatching.
The case underscores the increasing reliance on technology, such as extensive CCTV networks, in modern policing to track and apprehend criminals swiftly. While one suspect is in custody, Kanpur Police continue their efforts to locate and arrest the second individual involved in this shocking robbery against a member of the force.
