In a striking example of how gambling addiction can drive a person into prolonged criminal activity, the Tilaknagar Police in Mumbai have arrested a habitual chain-snatcher from Karnataka who had been involved in such crimes for over two decades.
The accused, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim Hanif Sheikh (34), has more than 25 cases registered against him across Mumbai Police and Railway Police jurisdictions, officials said.
According to police, on February 26, 2026, Sheikh allegedly snatched a mangalsutra worth ₹2.5 lakh from a 50-year-old woman, Aarti, who was travelling in an autorickshaw near Tembhi Bridge in Chembur.
During the investigation, Assistant Police Inspector Rahul Waghmare and his team analysed CCTV footage from the area. With the help of technical inputs, the accused was identified. However, Sheikh switched off his mobile phone and went on the run to evade arrest.
Police teams tracked his movement to Chennai, but he fled again after sensing police presence and escaped to Karnataka. Eventually, a trap was laid in Kalaburagi, where he was apprehended and brought back to Mumbai.
Officials revealed that Sheikh is originally from Karnataka but was residing in the Cheeta Camp area of Trombay. He had been consistently targeting women across Mumbai and railway premises, snatching gold chains.
Investigators further disclosed that despite earning lakhs of rupees through stolen jewellery, the accused squandered the money on gambling. Due to this addiction, he remained financially unstable and continues to live in a rented house with his family even after nearly 25 years of criminal activity.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Sameer Shaikh (Zone 6), Senior Police Inspector Santosh Dhenmare of Tilaknagar Police Station, and Crime Inspector Sangram Gursale. The team included API Rahul Waghmare, Sub-Inspector Golhar, ASI Shinde, and officers Ashish Bhand, among others.
The accused is currently lodged in Shivajinagar lock-up, and further investigation is underway.