The Vellarada Police have arrested three women in connection with a series of thefts targeting elderly female passengers on buses in the district. The accused, identified as Vellamma (54), Papathi (53), and Kavita (55), are reportedly from Vasanth Nagar, Coimbatore, although police are unsure if the details provided are accurate.
According to authorities, the trio followed a well-practised modus operandi, boarding crowded buses and surrounding women above 50 to steal jewellery or valuables from their handbags. In some cases, they allegedly used sharp blades to cut gold chains or open bags before escaping unnoticed.
The arrests were made following the theft of a gold chain, purse, and mobile phone from Jayalakshmi (58) of Parassala, who was travelling on the Narani–Karakonam route on November 3. CCTV footage from bus stands and nearby areas helped police trace the suspects.
Officials noted that the accused often pass stolen items to accomplices immediately, complicating recovery even if they are caught soon after the crime. The women also reportedly provide false addresses and resist cooperation during questioning, further challenging investigations.
The trio was produced in court and remanded to judicial custody as the probe continues.
