Kannur, Oct 18 (NationPress) A sitting councillor from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has been apprehended for allegedly snatching a gold chain from a 77-year-old woman in Koothuparamba, Kannur, on Saturday.

The accused, P. P. Rajesh, who is the councillor representing the fourth ward of the Koothuparamba municipality, was taken into custody following a two-day police investigation.

As per police reports, Rajesh has admitted to the crime.

The incident transpired on Thursday afternoon while the victim, Janaki, was home alone.

Her front door was left ajar.

While she was engaged in kitchen work, an unidentified individual wearing a helmet abruptly entered, yanked the one-sovereign gold chain from her neck, and fled.

Hearing her screams, neighbors hurried to assist, but the thief had already escaped.

Initially, no one recognized the perpetrator, who had concealed their identity with a helmet.

Investigators utilized CCTV footage from nearby residences and businesses to trace the vehicle involved in the crime.

This crucial footage led them to Rajesh, a sitting councillor, which shocked both the local community and political circles.

The Koothuparamba Police reported that the stolen gold chain was retrieved from the accused.

Janaki and her family visited the police station, where they identified her chain, which was subsequently returned to her.

The incident has sparked significant local reactions, with residents expressing disbelief that an elected official could be involved in such a crime.

This occurrence also arises during a politically sensitive period in Kannur district, which is viewed as a stronghold of the CPI-M.

Rajesh remains in police custody and is anticipated to be presented before the court shortly.

Further inquiries are ongoing to ascertain if the accused was implicated in any other similar incidents.

The arrest has ignited a political debate, with opposition parties calling for stringent action against the councillor and demanding accountability from the ruling party.