A chance interception of an autorickshaw in the dead of the night recently helped Madurai City Police apprehend a few anti-social elements with weapons at Obulapadithurai.Thereby, the Mathichiyam police prevented a possible dacoity and a planned murder.The shocking part of the story is that the gang included a minor boy and two young women, one who is already an accused in a murder case.During a vehicle check at around 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday, the police intercepted an autorickshaw.However, the vehicle did not stop and tried to flee from the spot. After a chase the police team managed to stop it. However, several persons, including two women, jumped out of the three-wheeler and ran helter-skelter.The police managed to nab only one minor boy. Upon search the police found some weapons, including chilli powder and nylon ropes.Interrogation of the boy revealed that he was part of a gang that had planned to rob some random persons for making quick money.Later, the police nabbed a few more persons, including the two women, Madurai City Commissioner of Police, S. Rajenthiran, said.Police investigation also revealed that two anti-social elements were friendly with the same women.One of them had beaten up the women. Hence, the other gangster planned to bump him off.“These youths were misguided by the social media reels and wanted to show-off among the peers through area domination. We have already picked up some of such youths who post reels with objectionable content,” the Commissioner said.The police seized the autorickshaw, eight machetes, chilli powder and ropes.The Commissioner appreciated the team for its sincerity in discharging its duty preventing two acts of major crime. Published - August 07, 2026 10:43 pm IST