Ex-home guard held for chain-snatching spree across Andhra Pradesh

Law enforcement in Andhra Pradesh has arrested a man identified as a former Telangana home guard in connection with a series of chain-snatching incidents spanning multiple cities. Investigators say the suspect leveraged his employment as a two-wheeler taxi operator to move freely between localities while identifying and robbing women pedestrians.

According to police statements, the accused targeted lone women in at least six urban areas, making off with gold chains and other jewellery. The mobility provided by his taxi work enabled him to scout locations and escape quickly after each incident, authorities said.

As part of the investigation, police also arrested a woman on suspicion of receiving and selling stolen jewellery allegedly obtained through the chain-snatching operations. Authorities are examining her role in the disposal and monetization of the stolen items.

The case highlights a pattern in which perpetrators exploit their regular employment to identify and target vulnerable victims. Investigators said they are examining records from multiple incidents to establish the full extent of the accused's criminal activity and recover additional stolen property.