Chennai Auto Theft Case Takes Unusual Turn as Suspect Uses Stolen Vehicle for Daily Earnings
In a surprising development that has captured public attention in Chennai, what initially appeared to be a straightforward vehicle theft case has revealed a peculiar motive behind the crime. The police investigation uncovered that the suspect did not steal the autorickshaw with the intention of selling it for quick profit, but rather to use it as a means to generate daily income specifically to sustain his alcohol consumption.
Complaint and Police Action Lead to Discovery
The case began when Maheswaran, an autorickshaw driver residing in the Mangalapuram housing board quarters located in the Otteri area of Chennai, filed an official police complaint on January 14. He reported that his autorickshaw had gone missing under suspicious circumstances. Acting promptly on the complaint, the police circulated detailed information about the stolen vehicle to various police stations across the city to aid in its recovery.
A few days after the complaint was lodged, officers from the T Nagar police station informed their counterparts that they had successfully located the missing autorickshaw during a routine vehicle inspection check. This coordinated effort between police stations proved crucial in tracking down the vehicle and advancing the investigation.
Suspect's Unconventional Method and Arrest
Police identified the suspect as Premkumar, a 45-year-old resident of Otteri, who allegedly stole the autorickshaw and drove it to the T Nagar area of Chennai. Instead of following the typical pattern of selling stolen vehicles for immediate financial gain, Premkumar adopted an unconventional approach. He used the stolen autorickshaw to ferry passengers throughout the day, earning money from fares.
According to police statements, Premkumar would utilize his daily earnings exclusively to purchase liquor, effectively funding his drinking habit through this illicit means. After completing his daily rounds, he would then sleep inside the stolen autorickshaw at night, creating a cyclical pattern of theft, work, and consumption.
During police interrogation, Premkumar reportedly explained that he preferred earning a small amount of money each day through this method rather than seeking alternative employment, as it directly supported his daily alcohol consumption needs. Following the investigation, Premkumar was formally arrested by the police for the theft of the autorickshaw.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This unusual case highlights several important aspects of urban crime and substance abuse issues in metropolitan areas like Chennai. The incident demonstrates how addiction can drive individuals to commit crimes with creative, albeit illegal, solutions to fund their habits. Police officials have noted that while vehicle thefts are common, the specific motive behind this particular case stands out as particularly unusual in their experience.
The case has sparked discussions within the local community about the intersection of poverty, addiction, and crime, as well as the importance of proper vehicle security measures. Authorities continue to investigate whether Premkumar had any prior criminal record or if this was an isolated incident driven by his specific circumstances.
