123 Kolkata: A gang of kepmars posing as cops allegedly made off with a gold chain from an income tax officer residing in Kasba by tricking him into believing that removing the chain was "a safety protocol". The incident was reported from the Tagore Park area, a few metres from EM Bypass, around 3 pm on Thursday. The victim filed a complaint at the Kasba police station regarding the incident around 7.30 pm.
Since the incident, locals have recalled a similar occurrences at Prantik Pally, where a gang of kepmars from outside the state struck right after Covid. Cops have identified two youths on a bike through CCTV footage and sources.
According to cops, the victim said that on Thursday, he was returning home from his son-in-law's place when two youths on a bike stopped him near Tagore Park. The duo claimed they were police sergeants and allegedly told the income tax officer to remove his gold chain as a safety measure as there were multiple incidents of snatching being reported in the area. They asked the victim to wrap it in a paper foil, warning him that the area was not safe even in the afternoon and, if anyone noticed, they could steal the gold chain.
Believing them, the income tax officer removed the chain and wrapped it in paper provided by the accused. When he got home and opened the paper, he found it empty.
Cops reviewed CCTV footage and found two youths on a bike had come from the direction of Tiljala. Cops have identified the vehicle and are trying to track down the suspects.