Family vacation, a new bike, Rs 1 lakh cash prize... Daring head constable gets

Bengaluru: A family package tour, new motorbike, cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a family dinner with the DCP (West), a bouquet of goodies not heard of recently, has been given to a head constable, who risked his life and limb to catch an elusive and notorious chain-snatcher.

It was a scene straight out of movies when the head constable, Chandrakumar C., attached to the Jnanabharathi police station for the last three years, fell from his bike and chased the offender for over a kilometre before catching him. He also sustained injuries in his hand after the offender slashed at him with a knife. 

Chandrakumar is part of a 25-member squad formed to contain chain-snatching incidents in the city. The team, which had sleepless nights over this chain-snatcher, had gathered footage from various crime spots, narrowed down on this offender and observed his movements.

Mr Ravi D. Channannavar, DCP (West division), told Deccan Chronicle, “We rewarded Chandrakumar for his bravery in nabbing the most-wanted criminal, Achuth Kumar Gani. He was wanted by the police across the state. He has cases registered against him in Ballari, Huballi–Dharwad, Chitradurga, Tumakuru and other places. His arrest helped us crack over 100 cases, majority of which are chain-snatchings.”

He said that the reward will help policemen stay motivated and enthusiastic. “It has been announced by the police commissioner and additional commissioner of police (West). Chandrakumar deserved the reward because he put his life on the line and sustained injuries. He did not think twice before chasing the criminal and nabbing him. The entire team has also been rewarded with a cash price of Rs 1 lakh. I also invited him and his family for dinner at my residence to show my respect for his hard work.”

The hero, Mr Chandrakumar, told Deccan Chronicle, “I have done justice to my work and have the satisfaction of arresting a criminal, which has saved the mangalsutras of many women. This recognition will motivate me to work harder for the safety of the public.”

Asked how he caught the offender, he said, “Around 8.30 pm on June 17, I was patrolling on my bike. I noticed someone who looked similar to the offender, and I followed him on the bike. Soon, I realised it was the elusive chain-snatcher. He noticed me following him and sped. I caught up with him and tried to block him at Rajiv Layout in Jnanabharathi. But he crashed into my bike and both of us fell. He pulled out his knife and slashed at me, injuring me in the hand. He then took to his heels, but I didn’t give up. I could not inform my colleagues as I was not familiar with the area. I ran behind him and he tried to board a bus but couldn’t. I was out of breath, but never gave up and chased him until I caught hold of him. I then informed the control room asking for help and the additional team arrived and arrested him.”

Asked about the rewards, he said, “It is overwhelming that I got a new Pulsar bike as my old bike was damaged in the incident. The trip will be cherished for long by my family and me, as it is something I am really looking forward to. It was because of everyone’s support that I have achieved this.”