Chain snatching: Black Pulsar riders make Bengaluru traffic police see red

BENGALURU: “I own a black Pulsar bike, but I am not a chain-snatcher,” said Madhu Laxman, an employee of a private firm, who is trying hard to prove that he is no way connected to the increasing chain snatching incidents in the city. His only link to these crimes: He owns a black Pulsar, like thousands of other youngsters in the city and believes that they will be able to relate to his plight. However for the men in khaki, anyone riding a black Pulsar bike calls for extra scrutiny.

Laxman, who took to Bengaluru Traffic police official Facebook page, had aired his grievance to the city traffic police department. For Laxman, it has become a daily affair to undergo a series of checks at the three major police check posts at Mysuru Road in Rajajrajeshwarinagar. Being stopped by cops daily he was unable to reach office on time, hence he is now using his four-wheeler to go to his office.

Recently, in the wake of sudden rise in chain snatching cases, the city police have enhanced patrolling across the city and those riding black Pulsar bikes are flagged down more often. He said, “My office is located in RR Nagar on Mysuru Road and I travel from BTM Layout. After crossing many traffic snarls till Uttarahalli Main Road, I manage to reach RR Nagar entrance. After that there are three major check points, where vehicles papers get being checked everyday, especially those related to black Pulsar bikes.”

He further said, “Everyday I was being stopped and asked to undergo checks. Recently, when I was stopped at one of the check points, I politely told the police, ‘sir I was checked at the previous check post’.” To Laxman’s surprise, the policemen on duty said, “Ayyo black Pulsar, tumba danger. Yeshtu chain snatching gotta (Black Pulsar is very dangerous do you know how many chain snatching cases were reported using Pulsar bike),” added Laxman.

The recent spurt in chain snatching incidents reported in the city, reportedly by black Pulsar-borne muggers, have not only left the city women terrorized, but Pulsar users too are facing the heat.

The city police have taken various measures to nab the elusive chain snatchers. They include increased patrolling, installation of additional check points, using visual media to educate women to be on guard against chain snatchers. They are pulling all stops to spread awareness about this menace that has been stalking the city women for the past two months.