Two bike lifters arrested, 23 vehicles seized

The accused, D Ashokraj (23) and A Rajmohan (21) of Nadar Mangalam in Cuddalore district, have been working as carpenters in the city. They would go about their work during the day and would steal bikes during the night hours, said police. 

“They will look for vehicles that could be easily stolen in the localities where they go for work. During the night hours, they will visit the spot, break the locks and escape with the vehicles,” said the investigation officer from MGR Nagar police station.

They stole bikes from areas in south Chennai including St Thomas Mount, MGR Nagar, Ashok Nagar and Selaiyur. According to police, these stolen vehicles were being sold at only Rs 8,000 at far away areas like Meensurutti in Ariyalur and nearby towns.

Recently, they approached a tea shop owner, R Gururamachandran in MGR Nagar, and asked for some money in return for a bike. When he refused, they allegedly threatened him at knifepoint and robbed him of Rs 1,000 and his mobile phone.

On information that the duo is back in the city, a team arrested them from Ajanta bus stop in MGR Nagar. Following interrogation, the police team seized 23 two-wheelers from their possession, including premium bikes. They were remanded in judicial custody on Monday.