Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Two Indore Men Arrested After Lalbaug Ganeshotsav Theft Reports
Many people visited Lalbaug for Ganeshotsav celebrations.
The large crowds made it easier for valuables to go missing.
Several devotees reported that gold necklaces or chains had been stolen.
A security guard also said his phone and cash were taken from his pocket.
He shouted for help when he noticed they were missing.
People in the crowd chased two suspected thieves.
Police arrived and arrested the two men, who are from Indore.
Police are checking whether they were involved in other thefts.
They are also telling visitors to watch their jewellery, phones, wallets and cash.
Kalachowki Police arrested Arif Saksensingh Gujjar and Somnath Samansingh Rathod, both from Indore, after a mobile phone and cash theft was reported.
Police said devotees chased and caught the suspects after security guard Michael Bablu Nadar raised an alarm.
Separate complaints alleged the theft of a 10-gram gold necklace worth about ₹70,000 and a 13-gram gold chain worth about ₹90,000.
Aarti Ashok Kawale reported that a 25-gram gold chain valued at approximately ₹2 lakh was stolen at Ganesh Galli.
Police are investigating whether the arrested men are linked to other festival thefts and have urged devotees to remain vigilant.
- Who
- Kalachowki Police arrested Arif Saksensingh Gujjar and Somnath Samansingh Rathod; several devotees reported thefts.
- What
- Gold jewellery, cash and a mobile phone were allegedly stolen from people in crowded darshan queues.
- When
- The incidents were reported on September 14; Aarti Ashok Kawale filed her complaint on September 15.
- Where
- The thefts occurred around Lalbaug, including queues near Kubal Masala and Ganesh Galli in Mumbai.
- Why
- Police said suspected thieves allegedly targeted devotees in crowded festival queues; the investigation is ongoing.
Police and Complainants’ Account
Suspects’ Legal Position
Alleged theft
Police and Complainants’ Account
Police and complainants allege that valuables were stolen from devotees and a security guard in crowded queues.
Suspects’ Legal Position
The article identifies the two men as suspects; it does not report their response or any statement from them.
Possible wider gang involvement
Police and Complainants’ Account
Police are investigating whether the arrested men are connected to other thefts or additional gang members.
Suspects’ Legal Position
No confirmed connection to other thefts or gang members is reported in the article.
Crowd response
Police and Complainants’ Account
Devotees reportedly chased and caught the suspects after the security guard raised an alarm, before police intervened.
Suspects’ Legal Position
The article says the crowd assaulted the suspects, but provides no account from the suspects about the incident.
- Arrests
- Two suspected thieves were arrested by Kalachowki Police.
- Accused
- Arif Saksensingh Gujjar, 24, and Somnath Samansingh Rathod, 23, both residents of Indore.
- Reported jewellery losses
- A 10-gram necklace valued at about ₹70,000, a 13-gram chain valued at about ₹90,000, and a 25-gram chain valued at approximately ₹2 lakh.
- Other reported loss
- A mobile phone worth ₹25,000 and ₹2,300 in cash were allegedly taken from a security guard.
- Main locations
- Lalbaug darshan queues near Kubal Masala and Ganesh Galli, including Mumbai Cha Raja.
- Police action
- Police are checking the suspects’ possible links to other Ganeshotsav thefts.
- Police appeal
- Devotees were urged to protect their jewellery, wallets, cash and mobile phones in crowded queues.