In a scene reminiscent of a movie, a gang of thieves who allegedly stole Rs 1 lakh from a parked two-wheeler near Bethamangala police station, about 100 kilometers from Bengaluru, was chased down by alert locals. One of the accused was caught after a dramatic pursuit.
Incident Details
The incident occurred around noon on Wednesday. Ramesh, a resident of New Town in Bethamangala, had just withdrawn Rs 1 lakh from his bank account and placed the cash inside the storage box of his scooter before stepping into a nearby shop. Seizing the opportunity, four men allegedly opened the box, grabbed the cash, and attempted to flee. However, their plan unraveled when Ramesh's son spotted the theft and raised an alarm.
Chase and Capture
Within seconds, locals joined the chase, pursuing the accused on two-wheelers and autorickshaws through busy streets. After a dramatic chase covering nearly half a kilometer, the crowd managed to corner and catch one of the suspects. The accused, identified as Giri, 40, from OG Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, was allegedly beaten by the angry crowd before being handed over to the police. The stolen cash was recovered from him.
Police Response
Police noted the gang's audacity, as the theft occurred close to a police station in broad daylight. According to authorities, gangs from OG Kuppam are known for targeting bank customers. Their modus operandi involves watching people withdraw large amounts of cash, following them discreetly, and striking when an opportunity arises. A police sub-inspector explained, "Usually they move in groups of four or five. After committing the theft, each person runs in a different direction to confuse the public and escape."
