Mangaluru: Mangaluru rural police have swiftly traced and arrested a chain-snatching accused within three days of the incident, recovering a 32-gram gold mangalsutra valued at approximately ₹3.5 lakh. The incident, which occurred on the evening of December 25, had raised concerns among residents in the Koppalakadu Road area, but prompt police action has brought relief to the victim and the public.
According to the police, the incident took place at around 6.30 pm when a woman, a resident of Gurunagar, was returning home with her daughter after closing her shop at Yeyyadi. While they were walking along Koppalakadu Road near Shankar Bhavan Hotel, an unidentified man approached the woman from behind, forcibly snatched the gold mangalsutra from her neck and fled the spot before passers-by could react.
Complaint and registration of case
The victim lodged a complaint at the Mangaluru Rural Police Station on the same day. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under Crime No. 128/2025, invoking Section 304(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. An investigation was immediately taken up, considering the seriousness of the offence and the value of the stolen jewellery.
Senior officers directed the station staff to prioritise the case, as chain-snatching incidents often create fear among pedestrians, particularly women, and require swift detection to prevent repeat offences.
Special team formed to trace accused
Under the supervision of Police Inspectors Gaviraj and Arun Kumar, along with the Police Sub-Inspector, station crime staff and the crime team of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, South Sub-Division, a special team was constituted to trace the accused. The team examined CCTV footage from nearby establishments, analysed movement patterns in the area and gathered local intelligence.
Based on credible evidence and technical inputs, the police were able to identify the suspect and track his movements within a short span of time. The coordinated effort of multiple units played a key role in narrowing down the suspect’s location.
Arrest and recovery
The accused was arrested on December 28, 2025, at around 9.30 am from Kakke Padavu in Bantwal taluk. He has been identified as Rohith B. Das (24), son of Lakshman Das, a resident of Door No. 1-13/1, Bitta Mane, behind Panchadurga High School, Kakke Padavu, Uli Gram and Post, Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district.
During interrogation, the police recovered the stolen 32-gram gold mangalsutra worth about ₹3.5 lakh from the accused. The electric scooter used by him to commit the offence was also seized, further strengthening the case against him.
Motive behind the crime
Police investigation revealed that the accused was employed with online food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato. He had recently purchased the electric scooter and was reportedly under financial stress, having incurred debts amounting to several lakh rupees for personal expenses.
According to the police, Rohith B. Das allegedly resorted to chain-snatching as a means to quickly repay these loans. Officials stated that such financial pressures, combined with easy mobility using two-wheelers, have been observed as contributing factors in similar offences in urban and semi-urban areas.
Police performance in 2025
The police also highlighted their overall performance in tackling chain-snatching cases during the year. In 2025, a total of seven chain-snatching cases were reported within the jurisdiction of the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate. All seven cases have been successfully solved, with the accused arrested and stolen property recovered in each instance.
Senior police officers reiterated that regular patrolling, use of surveillance cameras and prompt response to complaints have significantly improved detection rates. They also urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially during evening hours, and to immediately report suspicious activity.
Conclusion: The quick arrest of the accused and recovery of the stolen gold mangalsutra underline the effectiveness of coordinated police action in Mangaluru. While the incident serves as a reminder for citizens to exercise caution, the successful detection of all chain-snatching cases reported in 2025 reflects the police department’s commitment to public safety and crime prevention.