Vadodara Crime Branch Cracks Down on Procession Theft Gang
In a significant breakthrough, the Vadodara crime branch successfully dismantled a criminal gang on February 15 that was allegedly preying on women during a major religious event in the city. Acting on a crucial tip-off, authorities apprehended six individuals, including one woman, from the Warasia Ring Road area. This operation highlights the police's proactive measures to ensure public safety during large gatherings.
Targeting the Shivji Ki Savari Procession
Police investigations revealed that the accused, hailing from Banaskantha and Kheda districts, had specifically traveled to Vadodara with the malicious intent of committing thefts. Their target was the annual Shivji Ki Savari procession, a religious event that traditionally attracts massive crowds, creating an environment where such criminal activities could potentially go unnoticed.
The modus operandi involved the gang members blending seamlessly into the procession crowd. According to police statements, they utilized a cutter tool to stealthily snatch a gold chain from an unsuspecting woman participant. This calculated approach demonstrates a concerning level of planning by the perpetrators.
Recovery of Stolen Property and Arrest Details
The swift police action led to the recovery of the stolen gold chain, which is valued at approximately Rs 1.40 lakh. Additionally, law enforcement officials seized five mobile phones from the arrested individuals. The suspects have been identified as Sagar Parmar, Badal Koli, Suraj Dabhi, Sukhdev Koli, Nidiya Parmar, and Babita Koli.
Further scrutiny of the accused's backgrounds uncovered a pattern of prior criminal involvement. Nidiya Parmar has a history of theft cases, having been arrested twice before in Jamnagar and Surat. Sagar Parmar faces previous charges related to gambling and theft in Palanpur. Babita Koli has theft cases registered against her in Morbi, while Badal Koli and Sukhdev Koli also have theft offences on their records in Palanpur.
Ensuring Safety at Public Events
This incident underscores the critical importance of heightened security measures during large-scale public and religious gatherings. The Vadodara police's successful intervention not only prevented further crimes but also serves as a deterrent to other potential offenders. Community vigilance and prompt reporting, as evidenced by the tip-off that initiated this operation, remain vital components in combating such organized criminal activities.
The arrests are expected to lead to further investigations, potentially uncovering additional links or previous unsolved cases. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious behavior immediately, especially in crowded settings.
