The MHB Police have arrested a notorious serial snatcher, accused of repeatedly targeting women shoppers and stealing their purses and valuables from crowded supermarkets across Mumbai.
The accused, identified as Bapi Ratan Bhattacharya (53), was nabbed from Mira Road on Saturday. Police said he is a habitual offender involved in over 10 similar thefts at multiple D Mart outlets across the city.
According to investigators, Bhattacharya would frequent busy supermarkets and take advantage of shoppers’ distractions. He discreetly stole purses containing cash, ATM cards, and documents, often targeting women with children or full trolleys.
His latest theft came to light after a Dahisar West resident filed a complaint. The victim reported that while shopping with her 2-year-old son at D Mart, Kandarpada, her purse—containing Rs 8,000 in cash, cards, and documents—was stolen from the trolley. Within minutes, Rs 20,000 was withdrawn from her husband’s account using a stolen ATM card.
Based on CCTV footage and technical evidence, a team led by DCP Sandeep Jadhav (Zone XI), Senior Inspector Harish Gavli, and PSI Nilesh Patil traced Bhattacharya’s movements and arrested him from Mira Road.
During interrogation, Bhattacharya confessed to multiple thefts at D Mart outlets and other crowded shopping areas. Police said over 10 criminal cases have been registered against him in Mumbai and nearby police stations.
