Pune: Despite heightened security measures during the Ganesh festival, thieves managed to exploit the dense crowds and stole eight gold chains and two mobile phones worth a total of Rs5.72 lakh, police said.
The thefts occurred between September 5 and 7 during darshan and Ganesh idol immersion, at various crowded locations including Laxmi Road, Belbaug Chowk, Alka Talkies Chowk, Mandai, Shukrawar Peth, and others. The cases were registered at Vishrambaug and Faraskhana police stations on September 7.
In one major breakthrough, Faraskhana police arrested Alim Shaikh (28) and Attar Ahmed (25), both residents of Malegaon, Nashik, for mobile phone theft. Police recovered 13 stolen phones worth Rs1.78 lakh from their possession on Monday.
A senior police official said that lakhs of devotees participated in the Ganesh festival and processions to witness the idols, decorations, and performances organized by various mandals. In the chaos, many people fell victim to theft despite repeated police advisories to avoid carrying valuables like gold ornaments and expensive phones.
Santosh Pandhare, Senior Inspector at Vishrambaug Police Station, noted that many victims delayed filing complaints, realizing the loss only much later. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage, checking known offenders, and following up on leads to solve the chain snatching cases.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious during large-scale events and report any suspicious activity immediately.
