Chain snatchers nabbed after chili powder attack

Badlapur: Two habitual chain snatchers were arrested by the anti-chain snatching squad following a dramatic chase in Valvali, during which the suspects allegedly sprayed chili powder on police personnel while attempting to escape.

Police Constables Nitin Padir and Jagdish Maskar were patrolling the area when they received information about two men riding a black Pulsar motorcycle without a number plate. When the police attempted to intercept them, the suspects allegedly snatched a gold chain from a pedestrian and sped away.

The policemen pursued the duo, who allegedly scuffled with them and sprayed chili powder on one officer in an attempt to evade arrest. The suspects then reportedly boarded an auto-rickshaw amid the crowd.

However, the rickshaw driver showed "remarkable presence of mind" and instead of helping them escape, drove directly to a nearby traffic police booth and alerted the officers.

The Anti-Chain Snatching Squad immediately reached the spot and apprehended both suspects.

Police recovered a gold chain and a mobile phone worth approximately Rs 1.05 lakh. During the investigation, it was also found that the black Pulsar allegedly used in the crime had been stolen.