Chain-snatchers land in police net

AMBALAMUGAL: The police on Thursday arrested a two-member gang engaged in chain snatching activities across the state. The miscreants identified as Pramod, 29, Perungala and Sherif, 30, Edappally, were arrested from Ambalamugal.The duo, who were riding a motorbike stolen from Kadayiruppu, were nabbed after giving the police a hard chase. On examination, the police team noticed the registration number of the motorcycle forged."In the wake of increasing incidents of chain-snatching a special squad was formed by Commissioner Ajithkumar with Binu, Alias, Rejikumar and Sathyaparasad as its members,” Ambalamugal Sub-Inspector Byju said.The duo would be first lifting a two-wheeler and roaming in the city suburbs and in Alappuzha district in the vehicle.Police said that while Sherif rod the motorcycle, Pramod, who would be riding pillion, snatched the chains. On interrogation the two confessed to have been engaged in chain-snatching since April.  They fell in the police net for the first time.Till date the miscreants have snatched gold chains weighing around 20 sovereigns.Once the burglars snatched the chains they would first pledge them with private financiers and a few weeks later sell the ornaments at small jewellery shops. With the money obtained in this manner the duo have been leading a luxurious life in Mumbai and Goa, police said.The police have been able to recover more than half the stolen gold chains pledged at various financiers and jewellers. The duo have confessed to have snatched chains from Chantiroor in Alappuzha, Aluva, Palarivattom, Thrikkakkara, Choondi and Kadayiruppu.  The police intercepted three bikes lifted by the duo.Interrogation is on to gather more details.