Nagpur Gold Chain Snatching Cases Skyrocket by 156% in 2025
The city of Nagpur is grappling with a dramatic surge in chain snatching incidents, particularly targeting gold mangalsutras, with cases jumping an alarming 156% in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to official police data, the number of reported incidents rose sharply from 27 in 2024 to 69 in 2025, marking an increase of 42 more cases. This troubling trend coincides with gold prices soaring beyond 1.50 lakh per 10 grams, making gold chains an attractive target for criminals seeking quick cash.
Police Crackdown and Detection Rates Show Mixed Results
While the Nagpur Police have made significant strides in improving their detection rate—from 22% (6 cases solved) in 2024 to 48% (33 cases detected) in 2025—the overall surge in chain snatching has raised serious concerns among law enforcement agencies. Senior officials note that gold chains are prized for their high resale value and ease of disposal, often being melted down or resold within hours of theft, making them one of the easiest assets to convert into immediate cash.
Rising Mephedrone Addiction Fuels Crime Wave
Senior police officials and crime analysts attribute the spike in chain snatching largely to the growing addiction to mephedrone (MD or 'meow meow') among vulnerable youth, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds. "The moment gold prices shoot up, the temptation for quick-money crimes like chain snatching increases," explained a senior officer from the Nagpur Police Crime Branch. Many offenders, often in their late teens or early 20s, are resorting to this crime, along with theft and robbery, to finance their drug habits.
Operation Thunder Targets Narcotics and Street Crime
In response to the overlapping challenges of narcotics abuse and street crime, the Nagpur Police, under Commissioner Ravinder Singal, launched 'Operation Thunder' throughout 2025. This comprehensive drive resulted in 601 narcotics-related cases being registered, with action taken against 760 individuals involved in drug peddling and consumption, including mephedrone. Narcotics worth approximately 8 crore were seized during the operation. Special police teams also maintained surveillance on 36 identified hotspots known for drug peddler and user activity.
Persistent Problem Despite Police Efforts
Despite these sustained crackdowns, police sources concede that the problem persists. The allure of quick cash from stolen gold, combined with the pressures of drug addiction, continues to drive young offenders toward chain snatching. Investigators emphasize that the stolen gold jewellery is frequently disposed of rapidly, complicating recovery efforts and enabling criminals to evade capture.
Enhanced Preventive Measures and Public Safety Advice
To combat the rising tide of chain snatching, the Nagpur Police have intensified preventive measures. These include stepped-up patrolling in vulnerable zones, deployment of undercover teams, faster CCTV analysis for suspect identification, and community outreach programmes focused on personal safety, as detailed by DCP Crime Rahul Maknikar. Women commuters, who are the primary targets, have been advised to avoid wearing heavy gold jewellery in isolated stretches or crowded areas and to remain vigilant while travelling on two-wheelers.
Parallel Surge in House-Breaking Cases
The sourced data also highlights a parallel surge in house-breaking cases, with incidents crossing the 1,000 mark in both 2024 and 2025. With gold prices at record highs and mephedrone addiction on the rise, burglars are reportedly becoming increasingly active, particularly in peripheral areas where police presence is thinner due to remoteness. This trend underscores the broader impact of economic and social factors on crime rates in the region.
As Nagpur continues to address these interconnected issues, the police remain focused on balancing enforcement actions with preventive strategies to curb the spike in chain snatching and related crimes, aiming to restore safety and security for all residents.
