Kohefiza police have arrested four women involved in a gold chain theft that occurred during a Jain community procession in the city. The police also seized the vehicle used in the crime and recovered the stolen gold chains from their possession.
The women, who had stolen nine gold chains, were identified as Anjali (30), Nagma Naidu (30), Jyoti Gola (35), and Madhu Naidu (30), all from Ambedkar Nagar, New Delhi.
The stolen gold chains, valued at Rs 1.25 lakh, and the Maruti car worth Rs 12 lakh, were recovered from the accused. The FIR for the incident was filed on January 8.
According to the police, Premlata Yadav, a resident of Kohefiza, reported that while she was on her way to Lalghati around 6:30 pm on January 8, a woman approached her near the haunted bungalow, asking for directions to Panchvati. At that moment, the other women in the group attacked Premlata and snatched the gold chain from her neck. The police registered a case and began their investigation.
Using CCTV footage from the area, technical evidence, and information from an informer, the police arrested the accused from Gandhi Nagar. One of the suspects managed to flee. Upon interrogation, the women confessed to the theft.
The accused are known to target religious events such as Bhagwat Kathas, processions, and temple programs, committing thefts at such gatherings across the country. They also admitted to committing similar crimes in other districts and states, including Odisha, Delhi, and Dhar. The suspects have criminal records and are being questioned about other thefts in the city and beyond.