THIRUVANNATHAPURAM: A posh car will pull up at a bus stand. Out of that emerges a woman with a make-up that will even envy a cinema star. She will hang around the bus stand as if she is waiting for someone else. She will eye the most affluent-looking woman at the bus stop. When the bus arrives, she will follow her into the bus. She will stand behind her and create a feeling that there is heavy rush in the bus. She will somehow divert the attention of her prey and unnoticeably steals her gold ornament or purse. Even before the prey senses the robbery committed, the super lady, would get off the bus.

This is the modus operandi of Madurai Punyavaram Karpapakavathi street resident Bhavani (24) aka Mari, who was arrested by the Shadow police the other day.

Bhavani is just an example. There are many such groups who come here from other states to eke out a living in this manner. Once their operation is a success, they will flee to their hometown and lead a lavish life.

Bhavani was caught following days of observation by the shadow police, based on the complaints about on-board robbery in buses plying from Vattiyoorkavu to Thampanoor.

Though Bhavani tried all tricks in her bags including emotional blackmailing to escape from police, she was not allowed to go. Later, her arrest was recorded after the complainants were summoned to the police station and they identified Bhavani. The police are trying to find out others in her gang and the car used for their operation.

The police team led by Control room Asst Commissioner Sivasudhan Pillai under directions of City Police Commisisoner Ajith Kumar is carrying out further investigation into the case.