Woman, daughter held on charge of attempt to rob jeweller

A 48-year-old woman and her daughter have been arrested on the charge of attempting to rob a jeweller in Konanakunte on Kanakapura Road. The mother had been desperate to fund her ailing son’s surgery, according to the police. They were caught by alert residents on Thursday night.

The accused, Vasanthamma, is a widow who lives with her daughter Hemavathy (25), and her son, who is enrolled in a pre-university college.

Vasanthamma told the police that the son had recently met with an accident and required surgery on both his legs. She and Hemavathy could not arrange the necessary funds, and in desperation, decided to rob a jewellery shop.

According to the police, they posed as prospective customers and entered the shop on Thursday night. While pretending to examine some items, they confirmed that the owner, Lokesh, was the only person in the shop.

The duo threw chilli powder at Lokesh and attempted to flee with 98 grams of gold valuables, said the police. However, on hearing Lokesh’s cries, neighbours rushed to the shop, gave chase to the women and caught them.

The accused were later handed over to the K.S. Layout police station.

“Both the accused do not have any criminal background. They committed the crime out of desperation,” said a senior police officer, who added that it was unfortunate that the duo would go to jail while the son was still in the hospital.