Fake scribes held in Chennai

Two men posing as journalists threatened and robbed an engineering student of his wristwatch, phone and cash after threatening him that his involvement in a road accident was caught on camera. The duo were arrested and the stolen property was recovered. M. Giri alias Lion Giri (28) of Padi and Selvaraj (36), claimed to be reporters of a Tamil weekly. Around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, S. Akilesh (21), a resident of Kulakkarai Street, Avadi was riding his two-wheeler on CTH Road in Ambattur when he fell after a motorist ahead of him braked. The duo, who was behind Akilesh, accused him of having knocked the motorist down and said they had a video of the accident. They said they were scribes and would inform the police. They took Akilesh’s cellphone, wrist watch and Rs. 1,000. Akilesh lodged a complaint with the Ambattur police who registered a case and apprehended the Giri and Selvaraj on Thursday. They were remanded to custody and sent to Puzhal prison, sources added.