Pune Police Apprehend Two Men for Gold Chain Snatching in Kharadi
In a swift response to a street crime, the Airport police in Pune have arrested two individuals for allegedly snatching a gold chain valued at approximately Rs 2.5 lakh from a 58-year-old woman. The incident occurred around 6:15 PM on Monday along the Pune-Nagar road in the Kharadi area, highlighting concerns over public safety during evening hours.
Details of the Arrest and Incident
The accused have been identified as Pankaj Diwate (20) and Ganesh Girhe (22), both residents of Beed. According to police reports, the victim, a retired police constable, was on her routine evening walk with her husband, also a retired constable, when the duo approached on a motorcycle and snatched her gold chain.
Sub Inspector Akshay Sonawane of the Airport police provided insights into the event. "The retired constable demonstrated remarkable alertness during the walk. He retired about a year ago. As the motorcycle-borne men came from behind and snatched the gold chain from his wife, he acted quickly. Before the rider could accelerate, the retired constable grabbed the motorcycle's handle, using all his force to pull it down. The duo fell onto the road, and within moments, passers-by intervened and alerted the police," Sonawane stated.
Police Investigation and Recovery
The police promptly seized the motorcycle used in the crime and recovered the stolen gold chain. Sonawane added, "We have taken the motorcycle into custody and successfully retrieved the gold chain, which will be returned to the victim."
Further investigation revealed that Diwate and Girhe are unemployed and had traveled from Beed to Pune specifically to commit the crime. They had been staying at a small lodge in Kesnand. "This was their first attempt at such a crime, and they do not have any previous criminal records registered against their names," Sonawane noted, emphasizing the planned nature of the offense.
Background of the Victims and Community Impact
The victim and her husband, both retired police constables, reside in Kharadi with their children. This incident has raised awareness about safety during evening walks in residential areas. The quick action by the retired constable and the assistance from passers-by played a crucial role in preventing the suspects' escape and ensuring their arrest.
This case underscores the importance of community vigilance and police responsiveness in combating street crimes in urban settings like Pune.
