The Crime Branch of Pune City Police successfully busted two gangs involved in chain snatching and mobile phone theft during the ongoing Wari procession, arresting six gang members and detaining a minor, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The arrests were made on Monday, and the accused were handed over to Hadapsar Police Station for further investigation. The gang members have been identified as Chandani Kamble, Rita alias Ganga Namdev, Babita Upadhye, Pooja Kamble, and Ganesh Jadhav. They allegedly targeted gold chains worn by devotees during the procession. Police recovered 22.5 tolas of gold chains and other valuables collectively worth Rs19.4 lakh. Two cases have been registered at Hadapsar and Loni Kalbhor police stations.
In a separate case, Arbaz Sheikh (19) from Sahibganj, Jharkhand, and a 17-year-old minor accomplice were arrested for stealing mobile phones. Police recovered 14 stolen phones worth around Rs4.5 lakh from them. Three mobile theft cases were filed at Hadapsar and Wanowrie police stations.
SPI Wahid Pathan explained, “These gangs operate in crowded places, especially during festivals and processions like the Wari, mingling with devotees to spot and steal valuables such as gold chains and mobile phones.”