Maharashtra chain-snatching gang busted in Bengaluru; 4 held

Shahid, a habitual offender, was previously jailed under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and was released in January, said an officer.

“Soon after his release, Shahid formed a new gang and came to Bengaluru with a second-hand motorcycle — its registration number was tampered with to avoid detection. Two others accompanied him in a car, meant to assist with quick getaways,” said an officer.

On March 3, Shahid and his aide approached the elderly woman, pretending to ask for direction to a particular place, and fled the scene with her chain, he added.

According to the police, they analysed over 150 CCTV clips, which helped them trace the gang’s escape route to Bagepalli in Chikkaballapura, and found out the criminals had handed the stolen chain to an accomplice waiting in the car.

Further investigation, including analysis of call detail records and surveillance footage, led the officers to locate the original owner of the car. They were finally tracked down in Mysuru, near Bannimantap, while they were allegedly planning another robbery.