Engineer Held for Chain Snatching

Nellore: Police arrested 29-year-old Engineering graduate Chathala Srinath for her involvement in multiple chain snatching and vehicle theft cases in Nellore district.

Police said he was a resident of Surayapalem village Podalakur mandal.

According to the police, on September 23, 2025, Srinath approached Sola Lakshmamma (67) posing as a potential tenant at her house in Chakali Street, Nellore city. While she was talking to him, he snatched her gold chain and ran away. Following this, a case was registered at Chinna Bazaar police station.

A special team led by CI Chittem Koteswara Rao and SI A Ayyappa arrested the accused near Pogathota S2 Theater on November 3.

During interrogation, Srinath confessed to committing eight chain snatchings and seven motorcycle thefts at various police stations namely Chinna Bazaar, Balajinagar, Buchireddypalem, Nawabpeta and Dargamitta.

Police recovered gold ornaments and seven stolen motorcycles with a total value of around Rs 5.15 lakh.

Cops said Srinath, a B.Tech graduate, was working at the construction site in Nellore. He developed an interest in online casino and became addicted to betting in recent months. Increasing debts led him to steal and also finance his gambling habit.

SP Ajita Vajendla announced an award for the exemplary work of the investigation team.