In a shocking incident, the DMK panchayat president of Nariyampattu village in Tirupattur district has been arrested in connection with a jewellery theft case in Chennai.
The victim, Varalakshmi (50), a resident of Nelkundram near Koyambedu, was returning from Kanchipuram to Chennai in a government bus a few weeks ago. On reaching home, she discovered that a small pouch containing 5 sovereigns of gold jewellery was missing from her bag.
Following her complaint at the Koyambedu police station, officers launched an investigation and traced the theft to Bharathi (51), the serving panchayat president of Nariyampattu and a DMK supporter.
15-Year Habit of Stealing
Police said Bharathi had been systematically targeting women passengers on buses plying between Tirupattur and Chennai for more than 15 years. She would reportedly divert the attention of women by striking up conversations with children or fellow passengers before stealing their jewellery.
Investigators revealed that Bharathi had operated on buses across Ambur, Vellore, Vaniyambadi, Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri. The stolen valuables were allegedly sold, and the proceeds used to build commercial complexes in her hometown.
Despite being elected as panchayat president, Bharathi admitted to police that she continued stealing because of the “pleasure” she derived from it. “Even after gaining money, fame, and facilities, I could not give up the habit of stealing. Every time I vow not to steal again, I fail when I get the opportunity,” she confessed during interrogation.
Family members had reportedly urged him to abandon theft after entering politics, but he persisted, telling police that the thrill of stealing was irresistible.
Bharathi has been booked in connection with the Koyambedu theft case and further investigations are underway to trace his other alleged offences.
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