Vijayawada: The Guntur district police arrested a notorious chain snatcher who targeted elderly women, recovering stolen gold ornaments weighing approximately 300 grams, valued at 30 lakh. The accused, identified as Sheikh Ameer Baig (40), a resident of Anandpet in Old Guntur, was apprehended by the Guntur central crime station (CCS) team in coordination with the Pattabhipuram police.According to SP Satish Kumar, Baig was arrested following a complaint lodged by a woman in the Pattabhipuram police station limits. Based on her complaint, a case was registered, and the CCS team conducted a detailed investigation using technical evidence and CCTV footage. They identified Ameer Baig as the accused and subsequently arrested him.During interrogation, Ameer Baig confessed to carrying out eight chain-snatching incidents across various parts of Guntur, including Lalapet, Old Guntur, Nagarampalem, and Pattabhipuram, as well as in Bapatla town. The police recovered the stolen gold jewelry and a two-wheeler used in the offense, which was found to have been previously stolen.According to the investigation, Ameer Baig typically committed these offenses between 12 pm and 2 pm, targeting elderly women walking alone. He would wear a mask to avoid identification and conduct reconnaissance of the target location 10 to 15 days in advance. Once he selected the area, he would strike swiftly, snatching chains or mangalsutras from victims and fleeing on his motorcycle.Ameer Baig is a repeat offender with a criminal history that includes 22 chain-snatching cases and one murder case across various police station jurisdictions. He has served multiple prison terms and has been listed under a suspect sheet at the Old Guntur police station since 2016.
