Balangir Woman Overpowers Chain Snatcher Outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar
A Balangir woman overpowered a chain‑snatcher outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar, held the suspect with public help, and called for better security and recovery of her stolen chain.
On Tuesday morning around 6:40 am, a woman in her 40s from Balangir district overpowered a chain‑snatcher outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar after two men on a motorcycle attempted to steal her gold chain. She resisted, was knocked to the ground, then grabbed the pillion rider’s collar and pulled him off the bike while passers‑by intervened. The suspect, later identified as Islam Khan from Ranapur in Nayagarh district, was detained by police after locals recovered a firearm from him, while his accomplice fled with the chain.
How did the woman subdue the snatcher?
The woman, who prefers anonymity, was walking toward a nearby tea stall when the pillion rider of a motorcycle snatched her gold chain. She resisted fiercely and was shoved to the ground, sustaining bruises on her hands and legs. Undeterred, she sprang up, grabbed the pillion’s shirt collar, and pulled him off the bike despite the rider’s attempt to speed away. Passers‑by rushed to her aid and prevented the snatcher from escaping, though the rider managed to flee with the chain.
What did the woman say about the incident?
"I never imagined facing such an ordeal. Already burdened with my husband’s illness, I chased the snatcher for nearly 200 metres before pulling him down. I hope police recover my chain," she said, adding that the police vigilance near AIIMS should improve. She also warned, "Traffic is thin in the morning, and snatchers seem to target people at this time. Police patrolling must increase," she stressed.
What police actions followed?
"We have detained the accused, Islam Khan from Ranapur of Nayagarh district and are interrogating him. Efforts are on to trace his associate and verify their criminal antecedents. We are also probing the source of the firearm and examining CCTV footage from the area," said an officer of Khandagiri police station. The woman urged police to recover her stolen chain weighing about 14 gms.
What security concerns were raised by locals?
Locals and hospital visitors called for tighter security in and around medical facilities. A resident said, "The AIIMS periphery has turned into a hub of anti‑socials. In the evening, drunkards create nuisance. Khandagiri police have failed to instill a sense of safety despite an outpost inside the hospital." The woman highlighted the vulnerability of attendants and patients during early hours, noting thin traffic and urging increased police patrolling.
What is the background of Balangir?
Balangir, formerly the Patna princely capital, is a Kosali cultural hub known for its cultural landmarks and crafts.
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What time did the chain-snatching incident occur near AIIMS Bhubaneswar?
The incident occurred around 6:40 am on Tuesday.
Who was the suspect detained by police after the snatching attempt?
The suspect detained was Islam Khan from Ranapur in Nayagarh district.
What item was recovered from the suspect before police arrived?
Locals recovered a firearm from the suspect before police arrived.
How much did the woman's stolen gold chain weigh?
The stolen gold chain weighed about 14 grams.
What did the woman request from police regarding her stolen chain?
She urged police to recover her stolen chain.
What security concern did the woman raise about early morning hours near AIIMS?
She said traffic is thin in the morning and snatchers target people at that time, urging increased police patrolling.
What did a local resident say about the AIIMS periphery?
The resident said the AIIMS periphery has turned into a hub of anti‑socials, with drunkards creating nuisance in the evening and Khandagiri police failing to instill a sense of safety despite an outpost inside the hospital.
What cultural landmarks are associated with Balangir district?
Balangir is known for the Ranipur‑Jharial 64 Yogini shrine, the Pataneswari temple, and Sambalpuri weaves.
Suresh Sahu
Senior District Correspondent, Balangir
Suresh Sahu has reported on Balangir district for the Mirror since 2020, focusing on drought-relief policy, health infrastructure, and district politics.
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