Numerous incidents of chain-snatching in Bengaluru and its surrounding areas have reignited concerns regarding street crime this month.
Seven cases have been reported within a short timeframe, involving minors, habitual offenders, and suspected gangs. Women have been particularly targeted on streets, in busy markets, and near railway stations.
According to official statistics, Karnataka documented 34 chain-snatching incidents from January to July 2026, a slight decrease from 41 cases in the same period in 2025. Bengaluru city experienced three incidents in both years, while the broader district saw a drop from three cases to one. In total, the state recorded 42 chain-snatching incidents in 2025.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh addressed the situation, stating, “There is no increase in chain-snatching cases. The incidents reported this month have been investigated, and the police are taking appropriate action against the suspects,” as reported to the Indian Express.
The involvement of minors and repeat offenders has been highlighted in recent events. On August 12, police from the Peenya station apprehended two suspects accused of stealing motorcycles and subsequently committing chain-snatching. They targeted a 39-year-old milk vendor named Vijayamma in Doddabidarakallu, near Nagasandra.
As Vijayamma walked to her Nandini milk shop near the Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple at approximately 5:15 am, the suspects allegedly followed her on a motorcycle. The individual riding pillion reportedly snatched her 15-gram gold mangalsutra, valued at around Rs 1.2 lakh. Despite her attempts to resist, she fell and suffered injuries.
Authorities disclosed that the two suspects had allegedly stolen about eight motorcycles in the past when they were minors and had been placed in a remand home on three separate occasions. The police are now investigating their potential involvement in additional chain-snatching cases.
Furthermore, chain-snatching incidents have also been reported at Yelahanka New Town and Sampigehalli police stations. In the Yelahanka New Town case, a suspect was arrested who claimed financial hardship as the reason for his criminal actions.
In the Sampigehalli case, two individuals from Kalaburagi traveled to Bengaluru specifically to commit chain-snatching and were apprehended within four days as they attempted to return home. The police discovered that they also had prior criminal records.
The recent festive shopping season has provided an opportune environment for chain-snatching activities. On August 18, an Ayurvedic doctor reported the loss of a 29-gram gold chain worth over Rs 4 lakh while shopping at KR Market ahead of the Varamahalakshmi festival.
The victim informed law enforcement that the area was extremely crowded, making it difficult for her to identify how her chain was stolen. Authorities suspect that more than one individual may have participated in the crime and are exploring the possibility of a gang operating in the region.
Due to the absence of CCTV coverage in the specific lane where the theft occurred, and the high volume of pedestrian traffic in the vicinity, identifying the suspects has proven challenging for investigators.
Railway police have also made arrests in relation to chain-snatching incidents targeting female passengers. On August 21, a 26-year-old man was apprehended at Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal for allegedly targeting women sitting by train windows or standing near the doors.
Officials reported that the suspect positioned himself near train doors to snatch chains when trains slowed down while changing tracks, fleeing along the railway lines afterward. Approximately 91 grams of stolen gold jewelry were recovered, and he has been linked to three separate chain-snatching cases.
Railway officials stated that nearly ten such cases have been resolved in August across Majestic, Cantonment railway station, and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, with many of the arrested individuals having prior offenses.
In a related incident on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Jayanth, also known as Battery Jayanth, who was implicated in a chain-snatching case, was found deceased in a lake at Govenahalli, near Nelamangala, on August 24. This occurred after he allegedly escaped from an ambulance while being transported to a hospital. Police indicated that Jayanth had connections to approximately 25 chain-snatching cases and other crimes.
Senior police officials have noted that the high value of gold may contribute to an increased appeal for offenders targeting gold chains. They also mentioned that the recent visibility of these incidents could lead to a misconception of a sudden rise in crime.
“Although multiple cases have emerged, and some CCTV footage has gained media traction, there is no evidence to suggest a significant rise in chain-snatching incidents,” stated a senior police officer.
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