Mob lynches chain snatcher at Virar

Passersby lynched a chain snatcher to death and injured his accomplice after they attempted to snatch the mangalsutra of a woman at Arnala in Virar on Saturday.

Passersby lynched a chain snatcher to death and injured his accomplice after they attempted to snatch the mangalsutra of a woman at Arnala in Virar on Saturday.

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According to Virar police, Bhanumati Bhoir (45) and her relative were returning from a marriage when Salman Patel (24) and Vir Singh (25) raced close to them on a motorcycle.

Patel who was riding pillion tried to snatch Bhoir’s chain. But Bhoir held on her chain tightly and did not let go.

“She then raised an alarm hearing which the chain snatchers fled,” said police inspector Anil Sandbhor.

Singh, who was riding the motorcycle, panicked and rammed the speeding bike into an autorickshaw. The duo then left the bike and began running.

Hearing the woman’s cries, passersby gathered and chased the two. “The two ran in different directions. However, the mob cornered them at one point,” said Sandbhor. He added that the crowd assaulted the chain snatchers.

One of the passersby called the police station and informed them about the incident.

“By the time we reached the spot, the chain snatchers had fallen unconscious,” said Sandbhor adding that they were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The police have registered a case of attempted robbery against the duo and will arrest Singh after he is discharged.

“There have been no arrests as Singh does not remember the faces of the people who beat him and Patel,” added Sandbhor.