Bengaluru chain-snatching cases put street crime back into focus

Bengaluru has seen a series of chain-snatching incidents this month, reigniting concerns about street crime in the city. Seven cases, involving minors, repeat offenders and suspected gangs, have been reported in rapid succession, with targets ranging from women on roads to crowded markets and railway stations. Karnataka recorded 34 chain-snatching cases between January and July 2026, down from 41 in the same period the previous year.

Bengaluru city reported three cases in both periods, while the district saw a drop from three to one. The state overall recorded 42 such cases in 2025.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh stated that there is no surge in chain-snatching cases, as the recent incidents have been detected and the police are taking action against the accused. However, one recent case has brought minor offenders and serial crime to the forefront. Two suspects arrested on August 12 allegedly stole two-wheelers and subsequently conducted chain-snatchings, targeting a 39-year-old milk vendor named Vijayamma.

The duo snatched her 15-gram gold mangalsutra worth around Rs 1.2 lakh and the pillion rider even fell, sustaining injuries.

Another case involved a man who claimed financial desperation as his reason for committing the offence in Yelahanka New Town. In the Sampigehalli case, two accused from Kalaburagi were traced within four days while attempting to flee back to their hometown, with previous criminal records. The festive shopping rush has provided cover for chain-snatching, with an Ayurvedic doctor losing a 29-gram gold chain worth more than Rs 4 lakh in KR Market during the Varamahalakshmi festival. The heavy crowd and lack of CCTV coverage made it difficult to identify the suspects.

The railway police have also arrested an accused targeting women passengers at Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, positioning himself near train doors and snatching chains as trains slowed. Around 91 grams of stolen gold jewellery was recovered, and the accused was linked to three chain-snatching cases. Railway officials reported solving nearly 10 similar cases in August around Majestic, Cantonment railway station and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal.

The recent surge in reported cases may create a perception of a sudden increase, as the heavy movement of people and viral CCTV footage can give that impression.