Two chain snatchers in the Thiruvottiyur area in Chennai dragged a woman for nearly 10 meters while attempting to snatch her chain. The victim, Chithra aged 36 years, was drawing a kolam outside her house when the men came on a bike and tried to pull her 5-sovereign chain. She has sustained severe head injuries and has been hospitalized.

Chithra had gone to visit her sister at Sathangadu. The incident took place at 6 am on Wednesday when two men wearing helmets parked their bike next to her. They acted as if they were asking for directions and came closer. The pillion rider suddenly made a grab for the chain. Chithra tried to hold on to it and began to shout for help, attracting the attention of her relatives. One of them who rushed out saw them dragging her. People then began to chase the criminals who then left her and the chain, and fled the scene.

Not only did Chithra lose consciousness, but she also needed sutures for her head and had wounds all over the body due to being dragged on the gravel. The police are searching for the two men based on the accounts of eyewitnesses. Unfortunately, there is no CCTV footage available. Due to lack of manpower, there has been no patrolling in the area at night as well. This is likely to improve after the incident.