Chain-snatching repeat offender arrested

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The Kranti Chowk police have arrested a habitual offender who had snatched a gold chain from a trader in broad daylight after knocking him off his two-wheeler. The accused has been identified as Azharuddin Kaleem Qazi (36, resident of Sanjaynagar, Baijipura). Police recovered a 4-gram piece of the gold chain from his possession. Several theft cases are already registered against him, and officials believe more offences may come to light during further interrogation.

The complainant, Rajesh Rupchand Reddy (45, resident of Padampura), was heading towards Jafar Gate for shopping around 11:30 am on April 26. The accused deliberately rammed into his two-wheeler, causing him to fall. As Reddy fell, the accused grabbed his neck and tried to snatch his 15-gram gold chain. However, since Reddy held onto it tightly, the accused managed to flee with only a 4-gram fragment.

Following the complaint, a team led by police inspector Sunil Mane and sub-inspector Ashok Ingole began an investigation using CCTV footage. More than 70 cameras were analysed, and informants were also activated, leading to the identification and arrest of the accused.

Deliberate confrontation

After spotting the gold chain, Qazi began following Reddy. After knocking him down, he deliberately engaged him in an argument before forcibly snatching the chain. He then pretended to be injured and limped away from the scene. Notably, the incident occurred on a public road, yet no bystanders attempted to stop the accused.