The accused, identified as R Karthik alias ‘Pura’ Karthik of Choolai, was picked from his hideout in Erode, said the police, adding that they recovered 35 sovereigns and Rs 3 lakh in cash from him. Karthik has cases pending against him at Pallavaram, Vadapalani, Adambakkam, Madipakkam, Kolathur and Chitlapakkam police stations.

A few days ago, Sathyavani of Salem lost her gold chain to a snatcher at Anakaputhur, where she has been staying for the last two months with her daughter for health reasons. Based on her complaint, the police retrieved the CCTV footage around the locality and zeroed in on the suspect. He was identified as Karthik, who is said to be have been part of anti-social gangs in North Chennai.

Explaining his modus-operandi, police said that Karthik would visit the city once a month and first steal a bike. Using that, he would then indulge in snatching. After meeting his target, he would pledge the gold and go into hiding at Erode. He was remanded in judicial custody on Tuesday.

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