Mumbai, India – In a significant breakthrough, the Kalyan crime branch has arrested four key members of the notorious Irani gang, accused of perpetrating over 70 cases of chain snatching, mobile thefts, and vehicle robberies across Mumbai suburbs. The operation has recovered stolen assets worth Rs.50.18 lakh, including 410 grams of gold, 24 smartphones, six motorcycles, and one car.
Police identified the arrested individuals as Taufiq Tejib Hussain (29), Mohammad Ali alias Kalicharan Zaveri Ali (36), Abbas Sallu Jaffery (27), and Suraj alias Chotya Manoj Salunkhe (19). The gang operated predominantly in areas like Bhiwandi, Thane, Badlapur, and Kalyan. Their modus operandi involved wearing helmets while riding motorcycles to snatch valuables from pedestrians.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Amarsingh Jadhav stated, “The gang has admitted to involvement in 40 chain snatchings, 24 mobile thefts, and six vehicle robberies within the Thane jurisdiction alone. Their widespread activities caused significant unrest among residents.”
The arrests followed an intensive investigation initiated by Kolsewadi police. Acting on a tip-off, a plainclothes team surrounded the suspects in Ambivali’s Iraniwadi locality. A brief struggle ensued before they were apprehended. Speaking about the operation, Assistant Commissioner of Police Shekhar Bagade remarked, “This arrest marks a major step in curbing organized theft. The accused will now face thorough investigation to ascertain their involvement in other crimes.”
Residents and officials have welcomed the arrests, with social activist Meena Nair saying, “Such crimes had become a nightmare for suburban commuters. This operation restores some sense of safety.”
Authorities are now pursuing further leads to dismantle similar criminal networks operating in the region. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
This development underscores the commitment of Mumbai’s police to addressing organized crime and ensuring public safety.
