Gorakhpur: Busting a chain-snatching racket operating outside the Tarkulha Devi Temple in Chauri Chaura, police arrested 16 persons, including eight women. The police also seized five vehicles and other incriminating materials from the accused.According to police, the gang was active during fairs and peak rush hours at the temple, targeting women devotees standing in queues for darshan. The case came to light after three women reported theft of their jewellery. One Sheela Devi and her sister Shakuntala Devi, residents of Deoria district, had come to attend a family mundan ceremony when their gold chain and ring were stolen in a crowd. In a similar incident, Suman Yadav of Deoria lost a gold chain weighing about 10–12 grams.CO Chauri Chaura Manish Kumar Sharma said the arrests were made following a tip-off and coordinated action led by inspector Ved Prakash Sharma and outpost in-charge Saurabh Jha. Interrogation is underway to ascertain the gang’s involvement in similar crimes in other areas.
