Two held for snatching chains in Gujarat; 1 used to dupe passengers too

This story resembles that of 'Bunty and Babli', which portrays two youngsters as ace conmen. Two city-based youths have gone a step further. Not only have they made chain snatching a profession, but one of them has also been quite successful in duping auto-rickshaw passengers for easy money.

The twosome has made startling revelations before the crime detection squad of Zone-1. As many as six cases of chain snatching in different areas of the city including Naroda, Ellisbridge, Navrangpura and Adalaj, have been lodged against the pair.

It all began with the detection squad arresting Chandulal Parmar (20) on suspicion that he was involved in two cases of chain snatching, one in the Shyamal crossroads area and the other in Manekbaug. Parmar confessed that he started snatching women's chains with the help of accomplice Dilip, alias Tabar Parmar (20).

The cop squad, comprising PSI Vasant Patel and others, then nabbed Dilip who confessed to various offences. The team found out that Dilip was also involved in cheating auto-rickshaw passengers of their belongings.

PSI Vasant Patel said: "He used to loot travellers in auto-rickshaws by using a simple modus operandi. After they got in, he would tell the passengers that there was no space in the rickshaw, and they would have to get out. When they stepped out, he would drive away with their belongings."

Sources in the department also said that one of the accused, Dano, is absconding. A hunt is on for him. Sources also said that there are at least four cases where Dilip has duped passengers.