Lucknow Police Apprehends Notorious Chain-Snatcher After Daytime Encounter
In a significant breakthrough, the Lucknow police have arrested a chain-snatcher who specifically targeted school teachers during daylight hours. The incident unfolded in the Vrindavan Yojana area on Monday, culminating in a dramatic encounter that left the accused injured.
Encounter and Arrest Details
The accused, identified as Arjun Rawat, also known as Gangadhar, aged 25 and a resident of Aashiana, allegedly opened fire on a police team near the Barouli culvert in Vrindavan Yojana. In the ensuing retaliatory firing by the police, Rawat sustained bullet injuries to his leg and was promptly admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to DCP Nipun Agarwal of the south zone, Rawat was involved in over six criminal cases. Investigations revealed that he meticulously targeted women, particularly school teachers returning home in the afternoon, choosing relatively isolated stretches for quick and efficient strikes.
Modus Operandi and Investigation
The police disclosed that Rawat employed a cunning strategy to conduct reconnaissance of target areas. He would set up a temporary ice-cream cart, allowing him to observe movement patterns and identify vulnerable victims without raising suspicion. This method enabled him to plan his crimes with precision.
The arrest led to the detection of a mobile snatching case reported on March 22 by Preeti Singh, a resident of Ashiana, whose phone was snatched late at night by a biker. Acting on a combination of CCTV analysis, technical surveillance, and informer inputs, the police successfully tracked Rawat and laid a trap to apprehend him.
Recovery and Confession
Upon interception, Rawat fired at the police, prompting the retaliatory action. From his possession, the police recovered several items, including:
- The stolen mobile phone
- A handset
- A bike without a number plate used in the crime
- A .315 bore country-made pistol
- Live cartridges
- Rs 1,165 in cash
DCP Agarwal added that the accused confessed to committing these crimes to fund a lifestyle driven by show-off and material comforts. Multiple cases have been registered against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, highlighting the severity of his offenses.
This arrest underscores the vigilance of the Lucknow police in tackling daytime crimes and ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups, such as school teachers, in the city.
