Chennai: Masked duo's crime spree shakes city's south suburbs

CHENNAI: A wave of burglaries in Chennai’s southern suburbs has left residents gripped with fear, after seven separate incidents were reported in a single night. The coordinated break-ins targeted a post office, a petrol bunk, and several homes, with the robbers reportedly threatening victims at knifepoint before fleeing with cash, mobile phones, and even a car.

The first incident took place at the Madambakkam Post Office near East Tambaram. Staff members had locked up as usual on Friday evening, but when they returned the following morning, they were shocked to find the front door broken open. Eight smartphones used for official purposes were missing. With money and valuables stored in safety lockers, they remained untouched.

In the same locality, burglars struck again at the residence of Lokesh, escaping with Rs 10,000 in cash and two mobile phones. Another theft occurred in Cholan Nagar, where intruders broke into a shop owned by Nagaraj, stole Rs 5,000 in cash, and even drove away a car parked outside the premises.

In Maruthi Nagar, robbers targeted the home of a retired All India Radio employee, looting money kept in household savings boxes. Several nearby homes also showed signs of forced entry, though the burglars left empty-handed in those cases due to the absence of valuables.

Later that night, the gang struck once more — this time in Thazhambur — where they allegedly threatened petrol bunk employees at knifepoint before stealing Rs 15,000 and a mobile phone. Police said the amount was limited because the owner had already collected the day’s sales revenue.

The Selaiyur and Thazhambur police have registered separate cases and launched an investigation. CCTV footage revealed two masked men wearing helmets, arriving on a two-wheeler and carrying out the burglaries. Preliminary inquiries suggest the same duo is responsible for all seven incidents. The police have initiated an intensive search to track down and apprehend the suspects.