Guards posted at Swapna house

Swapna Burman

TT,  Jalpaiguri: Two armed police constables were deployed in front of Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Burman's home at Ghoshpara near here on Sunday, a day after bike-borne criminals had snatched a gold chain from her mother Basana.

Eight youths have been detained in connection with the attack on Basana.

She had been returning from a market at Danguajhar on a two-wheeler her sister was riding on Saturday evening. Two youths came on a motorcycle and snatched away a gold chain Basana was wearing. She fell from the two-wheeler and sustained minor injuries.

Both the bikes were on move when the incident happened.

"After Swapna had won a gold medal in heptathlon, we had deputed two civic volunteers to control the crowd as thousands of people visit her home to congratulate her parents. But from Sunday, two armed constables have also been posted at her home. If Swapna's parents move out, they will be provided with security. We have also detained some people and are trying to identify the attackers," said Amitabha Maiti, the Jalpaiguri superintendent of police.

After the incident, Maiti himself had visited the spot and promised all necessary help to Swapna's family.

"Swapna had called me up after the incident and asked me to be vigil. We became frightened and sought help from the police," said Basana.

The detained men are residents of Rajganj and Belakoba, police sources said.