Two Held in Varanasi Chain-Snatching Case

VARANASI: Lalpur police say they arrested two men during a late-night vehicle check on Ring Road and linked them to the July 17 snatching of an elderly woman’s gold chain in Ramrepur. One accused was reported injured in the leg during an exchange of fire. The entire sequence is based on the police account and has not yet been tested before a court.

The original case was registered after a woman reported that her chain was taken at about 7.30 pm on July 17. Police cited FIR number 205/2026 and Section 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. On Sunday night, officers were checking vehicles around 11.30 pm when they encountered two men, according to the report.

Police alleged that the men fired at the team and that officers returned fire. Pradyuman Mal, also referred to as Prateek, 21, of Gorakhpur, was injured, while Ved Prakash Dubey, also known as Monty, 30, also of Gorakhpur, was taken into custody. Medical examination and treatment of the injured accused should be documented, and the scene should be examined in accordance with the safeguards applicable to a police firing.

The reported recovery included two .315-bore pistols, two live cartridges, ₹75,000, melted yellow metal and two mobile phones. Police also claimed the accused disclosed involvement in incidents in Varanasi, Ghazipur and Mau. A statement made to police is not the same as proof of each offence. Investigators must connect any recovered property to a complainant through records, identification and forensic or financial evidence.

The encounter itself requires a verifiable chain of evidence: station diary entries, vehicle-check orders, weapon seizure memos, cartridge cases, ballistic examination, medical records and statements of officers or independent witnesses. Preserving CCTV or body-worn video, if available, would strengthen public confidence in the reconstruction.

The two men are accused, not convicted. Publishing their addresses, family photographs or unverified criminal histories would add little to public understanding and could prejudice proceedings. The elderly complainant’s identity should likewise remain protected.

Chain snatching creates a particular fear because it targets routine movement—an evening walk, a market trip or the road outside home. Better lighting, quick preservation of private CCTV and patrol patterns based on repeat locations can help without encouraging residents to confront riders. Victims should seek medical attention for neck or fall injuries and report jewellery details promptly.

Police now have arrests and claimed recoveries to place before the judicial process. The strength of the case will depend not on the dramatic encounter narrative but on evidence that can be independently examined: the chain from complaint to seizure, forensics and identification.