Bhatkal: In a dramatic incident that occurred in the early hours of Friday, a man attempted to break into a house on Meena Road in Venkatarpur, Bhatkal, with the intention of snatching a gold chain from a woman. However, his attempt was thwarted when family members and nearby residents managed to catch him and hand him over to the police.

The accused has been identified as Fauzan Ahmad (20), a native of Badria Colony in Bhatkal, currently residing on Tallur Road in Kundapur, Udupi district. According to police sources, Fauzan has a criminal history, with several theft cases registered against him in the Byndoor and Gangolli police station limits. He was also previously arrested in a car theft case in Byndoor and had been released just two days ago.

Following the incident, Akeef Mohammed, a resident of Meena Road, filed a formal complaint with the police. The accused was presented before a court and has been remanded to 15 days of judicial custody.

A case has been registered at the Bhatkal Rural Police Station, and an investigation is underway under the supervision of CPI Manjunath and SI Bharamappa Belagali.