In a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking, an elderly couple from Rahatani in Pune successfully thwarted a chain-snatching attempt on Tuesday morning, leading to the arrest of one of the perpetrators. The incident unfolded just a few meters from their residential building, turning a routine morning walk into a dramatic confrontation.
Bravery in the Face of Danger
The couple, identified as Atmaram Mane (64), a retired senior government officer, and his wife, were out for their morning stroll around 6 am when they encountered three men on a motorcycle. Initially unsuspecting, the situation escalated rapidly as one of the men dismounted and approached them. According to Mane, the accused initially failed to snatch the chain while they were walking together, but seized an opportunity when his wife momentarily walked alone near Nakhate Chowk.
A Determined Struggle
Despite the snatcher managing to grab her gold chain worth approximately Rs 3.80 lakh, the woman immediately turned back and grabbed his hands as he attempted to flee. In the ensuing scuffle, she caught hold of the metal 'kada' worn by the accused. Even when pushed to the ground and dragged along the road, she refused to release her grip, continuously raising an alarm to attract attention.
Hearing the commotion, Mane and several passers-by, including autorickshaw drivers, rushed to the scene. Their collective effort resulted in the apprehension of the accused, who was later identified as Sanjay Lunakka (29) from Nanded. Unfortunately, his two accomplices managed to escape on the motorcycle, leaving authorities to pursue further investigations.
Police Response and Recognition
Senior police inspector Rajendra Bahirat of Kalewadi police station promptly visited the woman to commend her bravery. He later confirmed the arrest and revealed that Lunakka has previous theft cases registered against him. Bahirat noted that the accused and his accomplices had arrived in Pune about fifteen days prior to the incident, suggesting a pattern of criminal activity in the area.
The woman sustained bruises on her hands and legs during the struggle but remained resolute in preventing the snatcher's escape. Her determination not only safeguarded her valuable possession but also ensured that one of the culprits faced immediate justice.
Community and Legal Implications
This incident highlights the growing concerns around chain-snatching in urban areas like Pune, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals such as the elderly. However, it also underscores the power of community vigilance and personal courage in combating such crimes. The swift response from passers-by demonstrates how collective action can support law enforcement efforts.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplices and understand the full scope of their activities. The police have encouraged citizens to remain alert and report suspicious behavior, emphasizing that public cooperation is crucial in maintaining safety and security.
As Pune continues to grapple with urban crime challenges, stories like this serve as both a warning and an inspiration. They remind residents of the importance of situational awareness while celebrating acts of bravery that contribute to community resilience.
