MADURAI: As the nation prepares to celebrate
Diwali, at least a section of
thieves in the district is planning to make a killing out of it. While others prepare financially to celebrate the
festival of lights, these gangs too prepare to make the occasion a joyous one at night. Police have indicated that gangs are on the prowl with the intention of staging house
break-ins and robberies. Two back-to-back netting of gangs with plans to engage in criminal activities has exposed their intentions.
What helps them in their 'endeavour' is that a lot of people travel to celebrate the festival at their relatives' place.
A six-member gang was recently picked up by
Avaniyapuram police from a secluded place within the police limits. The gang was armed heavily with three knives and three sickles. When interrogated, the accused revealed that they were planning to make a quick buck during the festival.
The accused were identified as T Vignesh, 26, N Mohan, 31, P Nagarajan, 24, R Sonaiya, 24, from Ambedkar Nagar in Anupanadi, M Manikandan and B Muthukaruppan from Chinthamani. The police team led by C Nallu nabbed them and produced them before a judicial magistrate.
In another incident, five people with similar intentions were picked up from a secluded place in Vandiyur tank. A couple of knives and wooden logs were also seized. They were arrested when a police team led by sub-inspector Jayapandian from Anna Nagar police station was doing regular rounds.
The accused were identified as K Thiraviyam Chandru, 18, from Yagappa Nagar, K Ajithkumar, 20, from Teppakulam, Tamim Ansari, 28, of Erwadi in Ramanathapuram, C Mukesh Ambani, 25, from Tahsildar Nagar and M Ajith, 16, son of Murugan from Melamadai. "During the investigation conducted by the police, the gang admitted that they were planning to commit a series of criminal activities for making a fast buck to enjoy the upcoming festive season," a police officer said.
Anna Nagar Assistant Commissioner of police S Shanmugam said that police could not be "present everywhere all the time". Residents should also cooperate with the police and keep their properties safe. He said police were preparing pamphlets with details of ways to keep houses secure from thieves. These will be disbursed to the people soon.