Chain-snatching suspect arrested

PUNE: The Cantonment police claimed to have solved 12 cases, including eight cases of chain-snatching, after the arrest of a suspect. They have also recovered gold and three vehicles totalling Rs 4.35 lakh from the suspect.
On Tuesday, the Cantonment police had arrested Babbu alias Nizamuddin Jalaluddin Shaikh (24) of Mithanagar, Kondhwa. Acting on a tip-off, a police team, led by senior inspector Balkrishna Shinde, nabbed Shaikh at Babajan Chowk in Cantonment.
During interrogation, Shaikh revealed his involvement in eight chain-snatching crimes in the jurisdiction of the Swargate police station.He admitted to his involvement in a bag-lifting case and three vehicle thefts as well.
Inspector Shinde said, "We have booked Nitin Soni (53), a jeweller from Nana Peth, for allegedly purchasing the gold stolen by Shaikh. We have recovered 22 tolas of gold worth Rs 3.50 lakh from him."
Shaikh has 21 cases registered against him, including cases of vehicle theft, house break-ins, chain-snatching and bag-lifting.
Speaking to TOI, deputy commissioner of police (zone II) Satish Khandare said, "The suspect has admitted to his involvement in chain-snatching crimes in the Swargate area. We suspect he may be involved in such crimes in the Sahakarnagar area too. We are looking into the matter."