Chennai: A man who posed as a police officer flagged down a train passenger at Putlur near Tiruvallur on Friday, took his phone, and asked him to come for an ‘inquiry’. But the ride took a turn when the two ran into a police check on the road.
Police said the impersonator, Selvakumar, 34, of Old Tirupachur, approached the passenger near the station, and coerced him onto his bike saying he needed to take him for an inquiry. Selvakumar also grabbed his phone.

But, spotting a police team checking vehicles on the main road, Selvakumar abruptly stopped the bike, left the passenger behind, and attempted to flee. Officers noticed his behaviour and gave chase. During pursuit, Selvakumar crashed and broke a leg.
The police secured him on the spot and took him to Tiruvallur Govt Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
After initial medical care, officers shifted him to the police station for interrogation.
Investigations revealed Selvakumar had a history of criminal activity. He had previously been booked in connection with at least four other robbery cases registered across different police stations in and around Tiruvallur. Police recovered the stolen mobile phone from his possession.
Officers arrested him and produced him before a magistrate. He was later remanded in judicial custody.