A sees z drop purse, but puts in his pocket, is it theft?

though strictly and technically the situaton would fall n criminal miappropriation of property as to fall in theft you will have to prove 'out of possession of any person'  and herein as soon as the purse was dropped it was out of possession of the owner thereby theft cannot be shown. on the contrary since the purse has been 'dishonestly misappropriated' the situation would fall under 403.

however it would be extremely difficult to show absence of possession if owner has not left the place of incident.

Thank you, answerers, can you answer one more query of mine at ---> https://www.lawyersclubindia.com/forum/If-im-guilty-of-ipc-341-of-wrongful-restraint-pls-ans-few-q-109586.asp#.VCGbE5SSxrw regarding a charge of wrongful restraint against me? Thnx!