Man held for snatching gold jewellery from elderly woman in Arani

A 43-year-old man from Kancheepuram was arrested by Arani Town police on Thursday for snatching gold jewellery from an elderly woman.

Police said the arrested person was identified as B. Rajesh, a native of Somangalam village in Kancheepuram. Initial inquiry revealed that the victim G. Kuppu, 83, a resident of Arani, was living alone in her house after her husband K. Govindasamy died a few years ago. Her children, including daughter G. Uma , 48, were living separately with their families in the town.

Police said, a few days ago, Kuppu was sitting in front of her house Rajesh came to her in his two-wheeler. He introduced himself that he sells ayurvedic medicines including ointments for knee pain especially for senior citizens. Rajesh also convinced the elderly woman that he has ointments for body pain. Kuppu told him that she suffers from ear pain due to wearing gold jewellery for many years. He reportedly asked her to give the jewellery to him to wade off bad omen in it.

Police said he fled with five sovereigns of gold jewellery on his two-wheeler when Kuppu came with a glass of water for him. Based on a complaint by Uma, Kuppu’s daughter, a case was registered. Police analysed CCTV footage on the route and nabbed Rajesh from his hideout near the town. He was lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. Further probe is under way.