2 hours, 2 chain-snatchers, 10 women

BENGALURU: Cocking a snook at police who had erected barricades and check-points across the city to rein in their ilk, two chain-snatchers struck at 10 areas in west and south Bengaluru within two hours. They were astride a black Bajaj Pulsar. The duo's victims were women - many of them elderly - taking their children to school or on morning walks. The incidents occurred between 6.30am and 8.30am on Thursday. "Images of the bike-borne culprits have been captured on CCTV cameras in Kamakshipalya. Their suave appearance raises the suspicion that they could be from the notorious Irani gang in north Karnataka," police said. Cops admitted they should have been more alert in the backdrop of serial chain-snatching incidents in Tumakuru on Wednesday. "The duo might have reached the city after committing similar offences in Tumakuru on the same bike," sources said. Police were alerted about the duo after the first two strikes. The control room relayed frantic alerts to the entire force but to no avail. -TOI