Nab chain snatchers, earn Rs 50,0000: AIADMK lawmaker offers cash reward

An MLA of the ruling AIADMK has announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 to those who apprehend chain snatchers in his constituency inviting strong criticism from social activists.

The MLA, representing Sulur constituency in Coimbatore district, R Kanagaraj said he announced the reward in the wake of chain snatching incidents in his Assembly segment.

Meanwhile, National General Secretary, PUCL V Suresh said "it is an irresponsible statement which will only aid and encourage vigilantism." Another activist said innocent migrant labourers may be targeted and would lead to people taking law into their own hands.

Reacting to the criticism, Kanagaraj said the announcement has got absolutely nothing to do with taking law into one's own hands.

"I announced the reward only to encourage young men to apprehend chain snatchers and hand them over to police for appropriate legal action," the MLA told PTI.

His initiative was only to "help and support the police personnel," who are handling several tasks he said.

"Chain snatching happens in day light and some help can be really useful in nabbing them."

Kanagaraj said he also announced a reward of Rs 5,000 for those who could provide information about the culprits who had set on fire some uniforms and shoes in a school in his constituency.

"The school has seen a similar incident of blaze before.

I request people only to provide information about suspects to help police and I will provide a reward of Rs 5,000," he said adding the identity of informants would be a secret.