Police in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district have made swift arrests in a case of chain snatching that targeted an elderly woman at a temple. Three women were taken into custody for allegedly stealing a gold chain from a 67-year-old devotee in Puttur.
The Temple Incident: A Devotee Targeted
The victim, identified as Yamuna (67), a resident of Kemminje, had visited the temple to attend a religious event on December 26, 2025. According to the police complaint, she was wearing a precious gold chain that weighed approximately 14 grams.
It was during the event that the theft occurred. The accused women allegedly targeted Yamuna, managing to snatch her chain in a crowded setting. The distraught victim later approached the Puttur police to file a formal complaint, setting the investigation in motion.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrests
Acting on the complaint and utilizing local intelligence and technical surveillance, the Puttur police team launched a search for the suspects. Their investigation led them to the three accused women, who were subsequently arrested.
The police have not yet released the names of the arrested individuals publicly, but confirmed that all three are women. The authorities are currently investigating whether the accused are part of a larger gang that operates in the region, targeting devotees at religious gatherings where crowds provide easy cover.
A Warning to Devotees and Ongoing Probe
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of devotees, especially the elderly, at crowded religious places. Police officials have reiterated standard advisories, urging people to remain vigilant with their valuables in such environments.
The Puttur police have recovered the stolen gold chain and will be presenting the accused before a local court. The investigation remains ongoing as officers delve deeper into the modus operandi and possible previous involvements of the arrested individuals. This case highlights the continued efforts of Karnataka police to tackle street crimes and ensure public safety in towns like Puttur.
