Bengaluru Police have successfully apprehended 35-year-old Yogananda, a notorious figure, in connection with a series of chain snatchings targeting three women during last month’s Ganesh festival celebrations in South Bengaluru.
His 28-year-old accomplice, N. Praveen, who hails from Peenya in North Bengaluru and operates an autorickshaw, had been arrested earlier. Praveen had only moved to the city about six months prior to the incidents.
During the recent Ganesha festivities, Praveen and Yogananda allegedly embarked on a brazen robbery spree. Their modus operandi involved threatening women with a machete before forcibly snatching their gold chains.
In a span of just one hour, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., the duo reportedly targeted women in Girinagar, KS Layout, and Konanakunte, making off with gold chains weighing a total of 80 grams. Authorities promptly registered a robbery case and launched an extensive investigation.
CCTV footage proved crucial, showing the two suspects arriving on a motorcycle. Praveen was seen driving the bike, while Yogananda brandished a machete, intimidating victims and snatching their jewelry. One of the women sustained injuries during the attacks.
Police successfully traced the motorcycle, leading to Praveen’s arrest earlier this month. However, Yogananda managed to evade capture until recently. With his apprehension, Bengaluru police have now resolved four cases across the city.
Investigators revealed that Yogananda is a well-known ‘rowdy-sheeter’ with a history of offenses, officially listed at the Byatarayanapura Police Station. He had only been released on bail approximately three months before becoming involved in these latest crimes.
Lokesh B. Jagalasar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South, stated that Yogananda is implicated in approximately 25 cases and is known for his involvement in organized crime. The police plan to verify these connections and potentially invoke sections related to organized criminal activity.
According to police reports, Praveen and Yogananda first connected when Yogananda was incarcerated in Ramanagara prison. Praveen frequently transported Yogananda’s family members for jail visits, during which their acquaintance deepened. Upon Yogananda’s release, they conspired to commit these robberies.