Lalbaug Cha Raja immersion: over 100 mobile phones and several gold chains stolen in Mumbai

The Mumbai Police said people had ignored warnings against carrying valuables like gold ornaments during the darshan of Lalbaug Cha Raja, the most celebrated Ganesh idol.

Lakhs of devotees participate during the procession from Lalbaug to Girgaon Chowpatty to take a glimpse of the idol. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

Despite several precautions taken by the Mumbai Police and devotees, thieves managed to take advantage of the massive crowd and stole more than 100 mobile phones and gold chains during the darshan of the most celebrated Ganesh idol, Lalbaug Cha Raja, as well as on the day of the immersion procession. The police have arrested four people and registered several FIRs in the past 10 days.

“The procession for immersion, which started on Saturday, took several hours to reach Girgaon Chowpatty. Taking advantage of the huge crowd, the thieves stole the mobile phones of the devotees. Several people approached the police station in the afternoon and evening on Saturday and Sunday to register FIRs. Some of the victim’s statements have been recorded, and FIRs were registered, while further inquiries are going on. More FIR will be registered based on the facts,” said an officer of the Kalachowki police.

“Till now, four accused have been arrested in mobile theft, and more than 10 people who are under suspicion are being interrogated in connection with gold chain snatching”, said Ragsudha R, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4).

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“More than 50 mobile theft complaints are under investigation. The police officers are now free from bandobast duties. So 100 per cent efforts are being used for the investigation. Technical evidence like CCTV footage will be verified, and the culprits will soon be nabbed,” added the DCP.

Stolen mobile phones have been recovered in four cases and gold chains in six cases, according to the police.

A police officer said people had ignored warnings against carrying valuables like gold ornaments during the darshan.

Lakhs of devotees participate during the procession from Lalbaug to Girgaon Chowpatty to take a glimpse of the idol. According to an officer, thieves were also dressed like devotees, making it difficult for the police to identify them.

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