“The gang of four that was riding two motorcycles approached him and handed over Rs 50 and claimed that it fell from his bag. They also told him that more currency notes had fallen along the way,” police said.

Shocked on hearing this, Murugesan stopped his bike and left it unattended on the side of the road along with the cash bag and went to check if he had dropped more money on the way.

Within seconds, the gang snatched his cash bag and fled the scene. Based on a complaint by Murugesan, the Vellavedu police have registered a case and are on the lookout for the conmen.

They are also trying to check if the incident was recorded in any of the CCTVs nearby.