Chain theft on crowded TSRTC bus: One held, stolen gold recovered

A 61-year-old man lost his 2.5-tola gold chain while travelling on a crowded TGSRTC bus after a group of alleged thieves took advantage of the crowding near the footboard. Chaderghat police have arrested one accused and recovered the stolen ornament.

The arrested accused was identified as Kamle Rathan alias Rathan Badal, 42, an auto-driver from Mallepally. Police said his alleged associates, Salman, Ismail and Ibrahim, are absconding.

According to police, the victim, Gattu Seetha Rama Rao, 61, boarded a TSRTC Route No. 72J on June 23. During the journey, heavy crowding near the footboard allowed the accused to surround him, and one of them allegedly removed the gold chain from his neck.

The victim realised the chain was missing only after getting down near a private hospital and later lodged a complaint with Chaderghat police.

During the investigation, police analysed CCTV footage from the area and identified the suspect as a known property offender. Acting on specific information, a team apprehended Rathan near Mallepally on Friday morning.

Police recovered the stolen gold chain with its locket, weighing about 2.5 tolas, from the accused. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to committing the theft along with the three absconding accused.

Police said special teams have been formed to trace the remaining accused. Further investigation is on.