Coimbatore: Two MBA students were arrested on Tuesday, in connection with a chain-snatching incident targeting an elderly woman in Vellalore on Sunday. Police also recovered and seized the stolen four-sovereign gold chain, two mobile phones and a two-wheeler used in the crime.Podanur Police identified the arrested as S Bharanitharan, 21, from Tirupur, and G Sindhu, 21, from Tirunelveli. Both are pursuing MBA at a private business school near Pichanur in Coimbatore district.Around 5.25pm on Sunday, Saraswathi, 72, was seated with her relatives near the Vellalore ‘Karikadai’ bus stop when Bharanitharan approached her under the pretext of asking about a nearby clinic’s operating hours. He suddenly snatched her gold chain, and the woman fell to the ground. Despite bystanders attempting to catch him, he managed to escape with Sindhu, who was waiting on her scooter.Police registered a case following a complaint filed by Saraswathi and formed three special teams to nab the accused. Sindhu’s vehicle was identified through extensive analysis of CCTV camera footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas. They then tracked and apprehended her.During interrogation she admitted to the crime and led the special team to a private college hostel near KG Chavadi, where Bharanitharan was staying, leading to his arrest.“Investigation revealed that the pair had hatched the plan to pay off debts accumulated by Bharanitharan and fund a lavish lifestyle. Prior to the incident, the duo had scouted the locality to identify potential targets,” said an officer.Both have been remanded in judicial custody.
