Mananthavady: A daring chain-snatching attempt by two youngsters failed when they realised that the chain they had stolen from an elderly woman was only rolled gold, worth just about ₹150. However, the woman’s determination to see them punished ensured that both landed behind bars.

On Friday morning, police arrested Cholamanikkunnummel MK Rasheed (29) and Nadukkandiveettil Muhammed Midhilaj (24) — both residents of Irikkoor, Kannur — from their residences. 

According to the woman’s complaint, the accused had snatched her chain on October 10.

Initially, she chose not to file a complaint, as the chain had little monetary value. But she later decided to approach the police, reasoning that if the culprits went unpunished, they might target others. Accompanied by her son, she filed a complaint at the Thalappuzha police station on Thursday morning.

Sub Inspector T Aneesh said that under the supervision of DySP Viswambaran, the team launched a swift investigation. They examined more than 60 CCTV cameras to trace the suspects.

The first breakthrough came from footage at the Irumanathoor junction, where the crime occurred. The visuals clearly showed the culprits waiting on a motorbike — their clothing, the bike’s colour, and even their slippers were visible. The rear number plate of their black Bajaj Pulsar was missing, and the front plate was illegible. Once the bike was identified, tracking their movements became easier, said the SI.

CCTV footage showed the suspects passing through Kunjome, Valad, Boys Town, and S-Valavu, all without a rear number plate. Later, visuals from the Kelakam police station captured the registration number. A call to the registered owner revealed that his cousin was using the vehicle, leading investigators to the accused.

Both suspects, who work as drivers, confessed to the crime. They were produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-I, Mananthavady, on Friday and remanded to judicial custody.

“We salute the spirit of the woman who came forward and helped us bring the culprits before the law. Her courage ensured that those who could have posed a threat to other women are now behind bars,” said Sub Inspector Aneesh.