Ganesh Festival Thieves Nabbed in Mumbai Sting

Five members of a gang that targeted Ganesh festival devotees for mobile phone thefts in Mumbai were arrested. The gang exploited crowd conditions to steal phones and were apprehended with 70 devices worth Rs 4.7 lakh. Investigations revealed multiple charges against the offenders across various locations.

In a significant breakthrough, Mumbai police have arrested five members of a notorious gang specializing in mobile phone theft during the Ganesh festival. The arrests occurred following a detailed operation, where the team focused on Girgaon Chowpatty and adjoining areas known for festival celebrations.

The gang's tactics involved blending into the festive crowds to target unsuspecting devotees, capitalizing on the packed environment. The police recovered approximately 70 stolen mobile phones, valued at Rs 4.7 lakh, during the arrests made across Mumbai and parts of Gujarat.

Authorities revealed that the culprits, primarily hailing from Lower Parel and Kamathipura, faced multiple charges in past incidents. The operation succeeded through meticulous investigation, involving the scrutiny of CCTV footage and technical evidence. Charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 303(2), have been filed against the accused.

(With inputs from agencies.)