The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch has arrested two men, Ravi Rameshbhai Datania (23) and Nikul Gautambhai Datania (21), for their involvement in a series of gold chain snatching incidents across multiple city areas. Both accused are residents of Shahpur.
The arrests have helped the police crack at least seven chain snatching cases reported in Satellite, Navrangpura, Anandnagar, Ghatlodia, Ellisbridge, and Paldi.
Acting on a tip-off, Crime Branch teams apprehended the duo and recovered gold chains worth Rs9.35 lakh, and a white Suzuki Access scooter used in the thefts, valued at Rs50,000. The total seized property is worth Rs9.85 lakh.
According to ACP Bharat Patel, the accused operated primarily during the evening hours (8–10 PM), targeting individuals walking alone. Riding a two-wheeler, they would approach swiftly, snatch the gold chains, and flee in the opposite direction to avoid detection.
To further evade arrest, Ravi and Nikul frequently changed routes and vehicles. They also planned to melt the stolen ornaments and convert them into a single necklace to minimize the risk of identification.
During interrogation, Ravi confessed to engaging in theft due to financial troubles, while Nikul admitted he committed the crimes to buy an expensive gift for his wife after their recent wedding.
Police have identified two absconding accomplices, Pradeep Mangabhai Chauhan and Badal, also from Shahpur. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and to investigate whether a wider jewellery disposal network is involved.
Seven FIRs have been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita across the concerned police stations. The investigation is ongoing.
