Man who snatched chains to fund films is health official too
BENGALURU: In a case with a shocking twist, the city police arrested a chain snatcher only to discover during his questioning that he was working as a contractual health inspector with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike. The accused would snatch chains in order to fund a film that he was directing.
The accused, Rangappa (35) alias Prathap Rangu, was nabbed by Basaveshwar Nagar police on October 28 while he was attempting another robbery. Police said 430 grams gold chains worth `12 lakh were recovered from him. A resident of Mahalakshmi Layout near Ashokapuram, police said he had snatched chains of women from Nandini Layout, Soladevanahalli, Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Puttenahalli for at least seven-eight months. As many as 10 cases have been lodged against him in different police stations.
Several police teams were formed under DCP (West) M N Anucheth and ACP (Vijaynagar) Parmeshwar Hegde to nab him. Among them, the team from the Basaveshwara Nagar under inspector Somashekar G suceedded in catching Rangappa red-handed.
A police official said Rangappa was caught as the police had prior information of his attempted theft through their informants. Describing his modus operandi, Somashekar said Rangappa would enter homes when only female members were present, and then snatch their chains. He would also snatch chains from women who were sitting beside windows.
Rangappa was also working as a health inspector on contract basis in the Cottonpete ward (ward no. 120) of BBMP. His upcoming film is titled ‘Double Meaning,’ and a promo of the film is available on Youtube. The promo was uploaded on September 14 this year and has already racked up 1.3 million views. Rangappa is mentioned as both the director and producer of the film in the video’s description, and he was carrying out the robberies to fund the film, police said.
Eight chain snatching cases solved
Police from various police stations solved eight cases of chain-snatching here on Tuesday. They arrested three auto drivers, who were also involved in cases of house thefts and two-wheeler theft. They recovered booty worth `8.15 lakh, gold chains weighing 295 grams and a two-wheeler. The accused allegedly committed the crimes to raise funds to pursue gambling.