Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Crime Branch Unit II arrested a notorious chain-snatcher and his accomplice, who happens to be his mother-in-law.

The son-in-law, Sadiq Shaml Khan Irani, along with his associates, was involved in snatching gold chains from women while riding a motorcycle, while his mother-in-law, Nargis Jafar Irani, would sell the stolen jewelry.

Sadiq, who has a criminal record with 19 cases registered against him, was nabbed after the police set a trap based on a tip-off. The arrest has led to the resolution of eight theft cases across multiple police stations, including Nigdi, Chinchwad, Chikhli, MIDC Bhosari, Chakan, and Swargate. The police recovered 12 tolas of gold jewelry worth ₹9 lakhs from Sadiq.

According to the information provided by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode, several incidents of chain-snatching had occurred in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, targeting women.

Under the guidance of Senior Inspector Jitendra Kadam, the Crime Branch Unit II team was investigating these cases. It was discovered that notorious Irani criminals were involved in these crimes. Sub-Inspector Shivanand Swami received a tip that Irani chain-snatchers were suspiciously roaming in the Nigdi area on a motorcycle.

A trap was set, and Sadiq was arrested. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the crime. Sadiq has a record of 19 criminal cases against him. He admitted to committing chain-snatching crimes using different stolen vehicles with the help of his accomplices.

The police recovered 12 tolas (approximately 120 grams) of gold jewelry worth ₹9 lakhs from Sadiq. The investigation revealed that three cases in Nigdi Police Station, and one case each in Chinchwad, Chikhli, MIDC Bhosari, Chakan, and Swargate Police Stations have been solved due to his confession.

It was also revealed that Sadiq’s mother-in-law, Nargis, was selling the stolen goods. She was subsequently arrested.