CHENNAI: In rapid action against robbery near Marina Beach, the Marina police arrested a 22-year-old man with a criminal case history for allegedly assaulting an air-conditioner mechanic and snatching his ear buds.

When Abdul Hussain (19), an AC mechanic from Neelam Basha Durgha Street in Triplicane, was returning home after a walk at Marina Beach on Tuesday, he was intercepted by an acquaintance, Rizwan, near the entrance to Sivarajapuram on Dr Besant Road.

According to Abdul, Rizwan threatened and demanded money from him. When he refused to give in, Rizwan allegedly assaulted him, brandished a knife and forcibly snatched his earbuds. Rizwan then fled after issuing death threats to him.

Abdul then filed a complaint at the Marina police station, and a case was registered. An investigation was launched immediately by a team under the Marina police station Inspector and Rizwan, who also hails from

Neelam Basha Durgha Street was arrested, and the stolen earbuds were recovered from him.

Further investigation revealed that the arrested suspect, Rizwan, has a significant criminal past and is already involved in six other criminal cases.

After interrogation, the accused was produced before a court on Thursday. The court ordered judicial remand, and he has been subsequently lodged in prison.