Pimpri-Chinchwad Crime Branch Busts Chain-Snatching Gang Operating Across Pune
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 15th November 2025: Police have busted a major chain-snatching network with the arrest of a juvenile offender, the alleged mastermind behind the operation, and a jeweller who was purchasing stolen gold. The crackdown follows directives from Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Chaube, who had instructed all crime units to intensify action against the rising incidents of chain-snatching in the city.
Multiple incidents reported in Sangvi, Wakad, and Hinjawadi had prompted Crime Branch Unit 1 and the Property Offences Squad to increase surveillance in vulnerable pockets. Investigators noticed that the suspect targeted women late at night between 10 pm and 1 am, riding a black Yamaha motorcycle without a number plate and fleeing after snatching gold ornaments.
On November 6, 2025, police laid traps at all entry and exit points in the Sangvi area. Constables Mahadev Jawale and Shivram Bhope received a tip-off about the suspect’s movement and immediately alerted all teams. During patrol, officers spotted the suspicious motorcycle speeding through the area. After a brief but intense high-speed chase, the juvenile snatcher was apprehended.
A detailed probe revealed that the stolen ornaments were being handed over to Karan Sunil Goyal (37), a Kondhwa resident identified as the key conspirator. Police said Goyal encouraged the juvenile to commit thefts, assuring him that being a minor would shield him from arrest and serious legal consequences. He was arrested following a carefully planned police trap.
The investigation then led police to a jeweller, Murlidhar Udaylal Soni (40), also from Kondhwa, who was purchasing the stolen gold at half the market price despite knowing it was obtained through crime. He, too, was taken into custody.
Police have recovered stolen gold ornaments and the motorcycle used for the offences, collectively valued at around ₹6 lakh. The accused trio has been linked to at least 12 chain-snatching cases registered at police stations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, including Sangvi, Wakad, Hinjawadi, Baner, Nigdi, Chaturshringi, Hadapsar, Mundhwa, Shivajinagar, and Deccan.
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious in public spaces and safeguard their valuables, while parents have been advised to keep a close watch on minors to prevent their involvement in criminal activities.
The operation was supervised by Joint Commissioner Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner Sarang Awad, DCP (Crime) Dr. Shivaji Pawar, and ACP Crime Dr. Vishal Hire. The action team included Senior PI Narendra Thackeray, Senior PI Vijay Dhamal, and officers from Crime Branch Unit 1 and the Property Offences Squad.
