Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Feb 25: The locals succeeded in catching hold of a gang of women thieves from Yadgir district, which was found involved with pick-pocketing and chain snatching in the vicinity of Sauthadka Lord Mahaganapati Temple near Nelyady on Tuesday February 25.

It is gathered that this gang had come from their home district in a Toofan van. It had seven women members and a male. As soon as the temple staff observed the gang's arrival and odd movements of its members which evoked suspicion, kept an eye on them. As soon as it was seen that one of the gang members laid her hands on the neck chain of a lady standing ahead in the queue near the temple counter, she was caught with the help of general public. Other gang members were also taken into custody thereafter. However, the driver of the gang's van, sensing trouble, escaped with his vehicle from the spot, it is gathered.

It is learnt that this gang had visited Sauthadka temple once earlier, and had succeeded in escaping after getting engaged in pick-pocketing. This time however, the gang was not so lucky.

When Nelyady police outpost was contacted over phone for handing over the thieves, it was learnt that the policemen of this outpost were away participating in Shibaje Gram Sabha, and the outpost had been locked. Thereafter, policemen from Uppinangady, led by police sub-inspector, Jagadish Reddy, came from a distance of 30 kms, and did the needful.

The police who arrested the gang, took possession of bags and purses from their possession. They learnt that the gang members were from Yadgir district, and their names were Dyamavva, Yamunavva, Geetha, Sakamma, Kamalavva, Ratna, Uma, and Erappa. A small child was also with the women. On the basis of a complaint filed by temple governing committee president, K Krishna Bhat, Uppinangady police have registered a case. They have recovered some ornaments and purses from the arrested people, and conducting investigation.