Karnataka chain snatcher found dead after ambulance escape; murder suspected

Jayanth, a 35-year-old alleged chain snatcher from Tumakuru, Karnataka, was pursued by locals after attempting to steal a gold chain last month. He managed to flee an ambulance carrying him, only to be discovered dead the following day, near Govenahalli Lake. The circumstances surrounding his death initially appeared to be accidental, but police have now suspected murder.

Jayanth and his accomplice Yatheesh were apprehended near Nelamangala in Bengaluru Rural district on August 23. They were assaulted before being taken into custody. While being transported in an ambulance, they attacked the driver, Siddaraju, and a nurse, Sachin, before fleeing. The police vehicle accompanying them was diverted to another emergency call at the time.

Jayanth's body was found near the lake on August 24, and post-mortem tests ruled out drowning, revealing a slit wound on his throat. The Superintendent of Police, Chandrakanth M V, has registered a murder case and is continuing the investigation. Jayanth's sister filed a complaint, and his lawyer, Manjunath, alleged that he was murdered and claimed that the police had opened fire on him.

However, the police denied these allegations. The police are searching for Yatheesh and have questioned hospital staff and teams have been formed to apprehend him. Jayanth had a long history of criminal cases, with over 25 cases registered at various police stations.