5 days ago
Thane Crime Branch Arrests Three in Gold Bangle Theft Gang
Police in Thane arrested three people accused of stealing gold bangles from women at crowded bus stops.
The suspects allegedly used the rush of people boarding buses to remove jewellery without being noticed.
Police say victims often discovered the theft only later.
The investigation began after a 61-year-old woman reported a stolen bangle on July 20.
Officers studied CCTV videos from several places.
They identified and arrested three alleged gang members.
Police recovered six bangles worth ₹20.53 lakh.
Investigators are checking whether the suspects were involved in more thefts.
Thane Crime Branch Unit-1 arrested three alleged gang members linked to gold jewellery thefts from female bus commuters.
Police recovered six stolen gold bangles weighing about 130 grams and valued at ₹20.53 lakh.
The suspects allegedly targeted crowded bus stops and removed bangles during the rush to board buses.
CCTV footage following a July 20 theft at Louis Wadi bus stop helped investigators identify the suspects.
Police said the arrests solved six cases across Naupada, Thanenagar and Rabodi jurisdictions, while further questioning continues.
- Who
- Thane Crime Branch Unit-1 and three alleged suspects: Kapil Suresh Tidange, Poornima Suresh Tidange, and Deepak Vatan Abhang.
- What
- Three people were arrested, and six allegedly stolen gold bangles were recovered.
- Where
- The thefts allegedly occurred at crowded bus stops across Naupada, Thanenagar and Rabodi police station jurisdictions, including Louis Wadi.
- When
- The arrests were reported on August 28, 2026; the key reported theft occurred on July 20.
- Why
- Police allege the suspects targeted female commuters during crowded bus boarding periods to steal their bangles unnoticed.
Key facts
- Arrests
- Three alleged gang members
- Recovered jewellery
- Six gold bangles
- Weight
- Approximately 130 grams
- Estimated value
- ₹20.53 lakh
- Cases solved
- Six reported theft cases
- Investigation trigger
- A July 20 complaint by 61-year-old Kalpana Patankar
- Evidence used
- CCTV analysis across multiple locations
Quotes
An investigating official
Police official involved in the Thane Crime Branch investigation
“Through extensive CCTV analysis across multiple locations, our team identified and tracked down the gang members. With the recovery of these stolen items, we have successfully solved six reported cases, and further interrogation is underway to check their involvement in other similar crimes.”
freepressjournal.in
“The accused operated with extreme stealth, taking advantage of crowded transit points to slip jewellery off victims before fleeing the scene unnoticed.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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