New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) -- The Anti-Snatching Cell of the South-West District Police has successfully apprehended two individuals accused of snatching after an extensive operation exceeding 15 days, officials announced on Wednesday. The law enforcement agency also seized a scooty utilized in the crime, the clothing worn during the incident, and a stolen gold chain locket featuring the 'Om' symbol.

The suspects have been named as Akash Awasthi (27), hailing from D-Block near Gurudwara, East Vinod Nagar, and Kartik Arora (26), a resident of West Vinod Nagar, Delhi. Police reports indicate that both men are habitual offenders with a history of multiple snatching and theft cases.

This incident occurred on February 23, when a 38-year-old woman from Nanakpura, Moti Bagh, was returning home with her two young daughters. At approximately 2:30 p.m., two men on a black scooty approached from behind and snatched her gold chain near Subhash Park in the F Block area. The chain featured a small heart-shaped pendant inscribed with 'Om'. Both assailants were wearing black helmets and fled towards Benito Juarez Marg following the act.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that the same individuals were linked to another snatching incident in the vicinity just a week prior. To resolve the case, a dedicated team consisting of Head Constables Sumer, Anil, Narender, Mansingh, and Sunny was formed, led by Inspector Hari Singh of the Anti-Snatching Cell, under the guidance of ACP (Operations) Sanghmitra.

The team meticulously analyzed CCTV footage and gathered intelligence, reviewing over 500 cameras spanning about 90 kilometers. Through technical surveillance, they identified the registration number of the scooty. On March 6, the team arrested the two suspects near Gurudwara, East Vinod Nagar, while they were riding the scooty.

Upon rigorous questioning, both suspects admitted their involvement in two snatching cases under the jurisdiction of the South Campus Police Station. It was revealed that Akash Awasthi had used his own scooty for the crimes, obscuring its registration number with black tape to avoid detection.

Police recovered the scooty, the clothes worn during the crime, and the stolen gold locket from their possession. Reports indicate that each accused is involved in over 10 criminal cases across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Two cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been established, with further investigations ongoing, stated DCP South-West District Amit Goel.