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Notorious Criminal Arrested in Pre-Dawn Raid
Bengaluru – In a significant breakthrough, the Bengaluru City Police have apprehended a notorious rowdy-sheeter believed to be the mastermind behind a recent spate of chain-snatching incidents. The crimes, which terrorised the city during the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, saw a welcome conclusion with the arrest of Manjunath R., alias ‘Stealthy’ Manja, in a meticulously planned pre-dawn operation on Tuesday.
The arrest ends a week-long manhunt for the elusive criminal, whose gang preyed on residents, souring the festive cheer for numerous families. According to police sources, Manjunath, 34, has a long history of criminal activity with over a dozen cases registered against him, including assault, extortion, and robbery. He had been absconding for several months after jumping bail in an earlier case.
A Festival Marred by Fearful Crimes
The gang’s modus operandi was both brazen and effective. They specifically targeted women, often elderly, who were on their way to or from pandals and temples during the crowded festival evenings. In areas like Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, and Malleswaram, Manjunath and his accomplice would ride high-speed motorcycles close to their victims, snatch gold chains with lightning speed, and disappear into the bustling city traffic.
This spike in chain snatching incidents prompted the City Police Commissioner to form a special task force. “The criminals were exploiting the festive crowds, thinking they could melt away anonymously,” said a senior officer from the Central Crime Branch (CCB). “This was not just a crime against an individual; it was an attack on the city’s sense of safety during a cherished festival.”
The Breakthrough: How Police Tracked ‘Stealthy’ Manja
The breakthrough came after the special team painstakingly analysed hours of CCTV footage from traffic junctions and commercial establishments near the crime spots. A recurring image of a specific Pulsar motorcycle with a partially obscured number plate provided the first solid lead.
By combining digital evidence with technical surveillance and information from their network of ground-level informants, the Bengaluru police zeroed in on Manjunath’s hideout in a rented house on the city’s outskirts. The final operation was swift, with a team of CCB officers in plainclothes surrounding the location. ‘Stealthy’ Manja attempted a daring escape but was quickly overpowered and taken into custody.
Major Recovery and a Stern Warning
Following the arrest, police recovered stolen gold chains weighing over 250 grams, with an estimated value of over ₹15 lakhs. They also seized the high-performance motorcycle used in the crimes. Manjunath is currently being interrogated to apprehend his accomplice, who is still at large.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Dr. S. D. Sharanappa, confirmed the arrest in a media address. “This is a major victory for our force. This individual and his gang were a menace… We want to send a clear message: Bengaluru will not be a safe haven for criminals. The investigation is ongoing to dismantle the entire network.”
The news has brought relief to local communities, who can now feel safer on their streets. Manjunath has been remanded to police custody, with authorities confident his arrest will help solve several other unsolved robbery cases in the city.
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