Man loses thumb defending daughter-in-law from chain-snatcher in Ernakulam

A man lost his right thumb while attempting to stop a chain-snatching attack on his daughter-in-law at Pathalam in Eloor on Thursday night, the latest in a string of thefts that have raised public alarm across Ernakulam district.

Saleem K.A., 62, sustained severe injuries when an unidentified assailant allegedly tried to snatch a gold chain from his daughter-in-law. Police have not yet arrested the accused.

Wave of thefts across the district

At least 10 theft cases, varying in style and scale, have been reported from different parts of Ernakulam in recent months, drawing public attention.

Earlier in September, Railway Police arrested three men from Assam in connection with alleged robberies at Aluva and Angamaly railway stations on August 28 and 30. Officers recovered ₹40,000 in cash, four mobile phones and six sovereigns of gold from their possession.

In July, Hill Palace police arrested Jijo Babu, 39, a native of Malayattoor, for allegedly stealing a woman's mobile phone. Police described him as a serial offender accused in several theft cases whose modus operandi involved targeting women boarding crowded buses.

In June, Kuruppampady police arrested another serial offender, Babu A., a Kollam native, following an alleged theft of ₹15,000, a mobile phone and a tablet from a shop at Pulluvazhi.

While city and suburban cases involved cash, gold and other valuables, at least three buffaloes were reported stolen from Paravur region in August.

Police response

Police said theft cases were being reported only occasionally and most of them were minor incidents. Stealing of electric items including copper wires and wiring fittings from construction sites are among the cases reported recently.

"The police have been conducting intense patrolling in vulnerable areas and monitoring usual suspects. Of late, the presence of shadow police have also been increased in vulnerable areas," a senior city police officer said.

Source: The Hindu