The Pazhavanthangal police arrested a history-sheeter and a woman for snatching a gold chain from a 90-year-old woman after pretending to seek directions.

According to the police, Vaidhegi, 90, of Nanganallur, was buying flowers near her house on the evening of July 8, when a man approached her on a two-wheeler and asked for directions. He then snatched her four-and-a-half sovereign gold chain and fled on the motorcycle.

Based on a complaint lodged by her son, Rajagopal, 60, the police registered a case and arrested Srinivasan, 55, of Shanthi Colony, Tondiarpet, and Karpagam, 51, of Ellis Road, Mylapore.

They also recovered the complainant’s gold chain, seized ₹1.5 lakh in cash, and confiscated the two-wheeler used in the crime.

Further inquiry revealed that Srinivasan had handed over the stolen chain to Karpagam, who pledged it at a bank and obtained a loan. The chain was subsequently recovered from the bank.

The police said Srinivasan was a history-sheeter and had 13 criminal cases against him, including theft and robbery.

Published - July 22, 2026 07:29 pm IST