Caught in the act: Haridwar police nab chain snatchers - watch video

Uttarakhand police recently took to social media with a dramatic surveillance video that looks straight out of an action film, minus the chase. The footage, which has now gone viral, shows two individuals on bikes executing swift chain snatchings before trying to speed away. But fate (and a well-coordinated police team) had other plans.

The video put out by police shows clear visuals of the suspects’ act, thanks to CCTV coverage. Acting on the video evidence, Haridwar Police quickly traced the culprits and arrested two individuals involved in a recent chain-snatching spree across the region.

हरिद्वार पुलिस ने दो शातिर स्नेचर दबोचे। रानीपुर व सिडकुल क्षेत्र में हुई थी चेन स्नैचिंग की वारदात। इनकेे कब्जे से देशी तमंचा, चाकू तथा दो चेन बरामद की गई है। दोनो शातिर रंगाई पुताई करते थे। इनमें से एक आरोपी पहले भी जेल जा चुका है। #UKPoliceStrikeOnCrime #UttarakhandPolice pic.twitter.com/SUYqsEtm2K

— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) May 30, 2025

The incidents took place near Ranipur and Sidcul, Haridwar. According to the police, both men are house painters, one of whom has been to jail before. The police recovered a couple of pistol, knife and stolen jewellery from the culprits, effectively wrapping up the case with style.

Netizens applaud, memes ensue
As soon as the meme-like post hit the X timeline (formerly Twitter), reactions poured in, ranging from praise for the efficient police work to meme-makers giving the snatchers a hard roast. One user commented, “bike thieves starring in Fast & Foolish,” while another quipped, “Haridwar cops deserve an action movie cameo!”

Earlier on May 29, Haridwar police apprehended three repeat offenders near the Canal Patri overbridge. During interrogation, the trio confessed to two thefts that had recently occurred in the Roorkee area, specifically at Eimli Road and Sherkothi Pathanpura.

"The Haridwar police have cracked two theft cases in the Roorkee area, specifically on Eimli Road and Sherkothi Pathanpura, with the arrest of three notorious thieves near the Canal Patri Overbridge. The police have recovered stolen items, cash, and a motorcycle used in the crimes", shared the Uttarakhand police on their Twitter(X).

Recently in a separate operation involving the theft of valuables worth several lakhs from a hotel in Haridwar, police tracked the suspect using footage from over 350 CCTV cameras and ground-level investigation across the Haridwar-Ambala route. The accused was eventually nabbed with a gold chain, three rings, and ₹50,000 in cash.