Authorities in Kadiri have arrested a government employee in connection with a chain-snatching incident that occurred last week. Bhukya Ramesh Naik, a senior assistant with the Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL), was taken into custody on Saturday on charges of snatching a gold chain from a local woman.

Police recovered a two-tola gold mangalasutra valued at approximately ₹2 lakh from Naik, along with the scooter he allegedly used during the crime. Kadiri Deputy Superintendent of Police J. Shivanarayana Swamy stated that the 42-year-old resident of Maruthinagar had been targeting women in isolated areas, apparently to settle personal debts.

The case came to light following a complaint from Paipalli Shanthi, who works as domestic help and lives in Maggala Quarters, Kadiri. On the evening of April 28, while returning home along Hindupur Road, Shanthi’s chain was reportedly snatched by Naik, who then fled the scene on his scooter. The victim’s report prompted the Kadiri Town police to register a case and launch an investigation under the direction of Sri Sathya Sai district Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar.

In response, police formed four special teams led by Kadiri DSP J. Shivanarayana Swamy and Kadiri Town Circle Inspector D.V. Narayana Reddy. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from multiple locations across Kadiri, which helped identify Naik as the suspect. He was apprehended near the Government Degree College grounds in Kadiri on Saturday morning.

The police have not disclosed whether Naik has made any statements since his arrest, and an inquiry remains ongoing to determine the full extent of his involvement and any potential additional offenses. Legal proceedings are expected to follow as the investigation continues.