In a bid to make quick money through illegal means, a three-member gang hurled chilli powder on a 63-year-old goldsmith and escaped with 90 sovereigns of gold jewels on Wednesday night.
However, the booty remained with the robbers for a very short period as the victim, in a valiant attempt, chased the gang which was fleeing in an autorickshaw and as he came close to them, raised alarm at a busy location following which a handful of public rushed and caught the accused.
On information, the police patrol team came to the spot and ensured that the robbers were caught with the stolen jewels near TNSTC depot on Bypass Road.
Explaining the ‘robbery drama’ to the reporters, police officers at the South Gate police station said that Sankaran (63), son of Rathnavel Asari of TNHB Colony, was returning home from his shop at Pacharisikara Street with 90 sovereigns of gold jewellery on his two-wheeler around 9.30 p.m.
As he was nearing home, the three robbers, whom he could identify, hurled the chilli powder, shoved him down and decamped with the jewels along with his two-wheeler.
Despite being attacked, the goldsmith chased the robbers in an autorickshaw. The robbers, who were engaged in a wordy altercation with a motorist in the middle of the road after they collided, were caught. The public also overpowered them and dialled the police.
Commissioner of Police Sanjay Mathur honoured the two public — Aswak Hussain and Nagoor Kani — 0for their efforts in nabbing the robbers who were identified as Ganesan (36), son of Arumugam of Alagaradi Third Street, Raja (25), son of Muthu of Ponnagaram Broadway, and Surendran (24), son of Subramani of Motilal Main Road. Inspector of Police Malaichamy said that the robbers had planned to get rich through a ‘shortcut’ method.
