While patrolling the Jnanabharathi area at night, Head Constable Chandra Kumar tried to stop a man who was moving around suspiciously. When the man fled, Chandra Kumar called for backup. Hours later, they were able to corner the suspect, and opened fire when he tried to escape.
The incident took place on June 17. The man was identified as Achuth Kumar Gani, 31, from Koliwada in Dharwad district. He was admitted to a hospital and later remanded in police custody for questioning. On questioning, police learnt that Gani was involved in 105 cases of chain-snatching.
“We recovered 3.5 kilograms of gold jewellery worth Rs 1.06 crore from him,” said the police. They also seized five motorcycles, which he allegedly used while snatching chains from unsuspecting victims.
At a press conference on Thursday, Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar commended the West division police and announced a cash reward.
According to the police, Gani’s criminal activities can be traced back to 2009. “He targeted women who were walking alone. He is named in cases across the State. He would come out on bail and continue to commit offences,” a senior police officer said.
The police have also arrested Gavi Siddesha, 33, from Koppal, who used to buy stolen items from Gani.
