Nashik Police Crack Down on Chain Snatching, Arrest Two Suspects
In a significant breakthrough, the Nashik city police have successfully apprehended two individuals involved in multiple chain snatching incidents and recovered stolen gold chains. The arrests were made following an intensive investigation led by the crime branch, which has been actively targeting such criminal activities in response to a recent surge in robberies across the city.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik personally oversaw the return of the recovered gold chains to the victims, calling them to the police commissionerate to hand over their property. This gesture highlights the police department's commitment to restoring justice and ensuring victims receive their belongings promptly.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Shubham Maurya (25) and Swadesh Maurya (25), both hailing from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. At the time of their arrest, they were residing in a rented accommodation at Sanjeev Nagar on Ambad Link Road in Ambad, Nashik.
Investigation and Modus Operandi
The crackdown was initiated under the directives of Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kirankumar Chavan, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Mitke. The crime branch Unit 2 spearheaded the operation, gathering intelligence on chain snatchers operating within the city limits.
The investigation gained momentum after two consecutive chain robbery cases were reported on February 8 and 9 in the Ambad and Gangapur Road areas. By meticulously reviewing approximately 150 CCTV camera footages, the police pieced together the criminals' pattern. The footage revealed that the perpetrators would arrive on a motorcycle, with one individual approaching the victim to snatch the gold chain before swiftly escaping on the bike.
Sting Operation and Arrest
Acting on a tip-off, Assistant Inspector Samadhan Hire and Constable Prakash Mahajan learned that the duo planned to sell the stolen gold chains at a specific location. The police promptly set up a trap and arrested both suspects on Wednesday, effectively putting an end to their spree.
Background and Criminal History
According to Assistant Inspector Hemant Todkar of the crime branch Unit 2, Shubham Maurya was employed as a worker in Nashik. In contrast, Swadesh Maurya had relocated to the city after committing crimes in his hometown. Swadesh allegedly persuaded Shubham to abandon hard work for what he described as an "easy way of making money." This partnership led them to begin their chain snatching activities in September of the previous year.
Their criminal operations spanned several neighborhoods in Nashik, with a total of ten confirmed incidents:
- Three chain robberies in the Gangapur area
- Five chain robberies in the Indiranagar area
- One chain robbery each in the Ambad, Satpur, and Sarkarwada areas
This case underscores the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts and the crucial role of surveillance technology in combating urban crime. The Nashik police's proactive measures serve as a deterrent to similar offenses and reinforce public safety in the region.
