In a distressing incident on New Year's Day, thieves targeted devotees at a prominent memorial near Pune, making away with valuable gold jewellery. The thefts occurred at the 'Jai Stambh' site located at Perne Phata on the Pune-Nagar highway, a place where many gather to pay their respects.
Details of the Theft Incidents
On January 1, a significant crowd had gathered at the memorial for the annual tributes associated with Koregaon Bhima. Taking advantage of the large congregation, pickpockets or chain-snatchers executed their plans. Three separate thefts were reported, where gold chains were stolen from three different individuals. The total value of the stolen jewellery is estimated at a substantial Rs 87,000.
Victims and Police Investigation
The affected devotees hailed from different parts of the city and its outskirts, specifically from the Ambegaon Pathar, Bibvewadi, and Lonikand areas. Following their complaints, the Lonikand police have registered three distinct cases to probe the matter.
An officer from the Lonikand police station confirmed that the thieves exploited the dense crowd for their criminal activity. Leading the investigation is Assistant Police Inspector Vijaya Vanjari of the Lonikand police, who is looking into all three cases to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Aftermath and Public Advisory
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of devotees and visitors at crowded pilgrimage or memorial sites. It highlights the need for heightened vigilance, especially during events that attract large numbers of people. The police are likely to review security arrangements in the area to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Authorities often advise the public to be cautious with valuables in crowded places. Key precautions include:
- Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewellery in large gatherings.
- Remaining aware of one's surroundings and suspicious movements.
- Reporting any suspicious individuals to security personnel immediately.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are pursuing all available leads to recover the stolen chains and bring the thieves to justice.
