Days after COVID release, snatching duo back in jail

The accused were identified as G Sanjay Rahul (20) of Villivakkam and M Lokesh (21) of Vyasarpadi. They became friends during the stint in prison after they were arrested separately for similar offences, said crime inspector Prasith Deepa.

Around 7.45 pm on April 7, the duo on bike followed the two-wheeler ridden by two women on Choolaimedu High Road and snatched the handbag from the pillion rider. The following day, victim P Thilagavathy lodged a complaint at Choolaimedu police station stating that the bag contained her mobile phone, debit and credit cards, and house keys. A special team combed the CCTV footage and identified the duo. One of the suspects, Sanjay Rahul, was secured on Friday and the bike in his possession was seized before he was remanded. Based on his inputs, the other accused, Lokesh, was secured on Tuesday. The police team recovered a mobile phone and 22 grams of jewels from him.

Inquiries revealed that after the snatching in Choolaimedu, the duo had also snatched jewels from another person in Nungambakkam. Lokesh, too, was produced before the magistrate in Saidapet court and was remanded in judicial custody.

Police suspect that Sanjay Rahul could be behind the incident where the gold chain of a police woman was snatched a few days ago.