Women thieves caught

A gang of three woman chain snatchers was arrested while trying to make a quick buck during the concluding day of the Annai Velankanni feast, at the shrine at Shastri Nagar, Vyasarpadi, on Saturday night.

Amid the milling crowds thronging the shrine, a woman, ironically named Velankanni, raised a hue and cry when one of them tried to make away with her chain.

But, the thief managed to give the slip. Police were soon called in and the cops arrested not one, but all three chain snatchers.The trio was subsequently taken to the MKB Nagar police station and later, identified as Selvi, Manjula and Indira from Tindivanam. An inquiry revealed that the gang used to target crowds in front of temples and other areas. A case has been registered.

3 hurt in balloon burst

Meanwhile, a gas balloon brought near the shrine by a child came into contact with a candle flame and burst, injuring two women and the kid.

While the child sustained only minor injuries, the women were hospitalised with severe burns on their faces.