OLD GOA
A gang of two chain snatchers from Maharashtra was caught by the Goa Police at Merces thanks to the alertness of Old Goa police constable Devendra Tari.
Addressing a news conference at Old Goa police station on Friday, North Goa SP Rahul Gupta informed that at around 7.45 am, the duo on a motorcycle attempted to snatch a gold mangalsutra from 62-year-old Geeta Shirodkar at Shelpe-Duler.
“However, they were unsuccessful in their attempt and a case was registered against the duo at Mapusa police station. Further, all police stations in the State were alerted as the number of the bike was known,” Gupta informed.
He further added that at around 10.50 am, Old Goa police constable Tari and other beat staff spotted the duo on a motorcycle matching the registration number at Voilem Bhat, Merces.
Later, the police chased both suspects, and with the help of the public, managed to catch one of the accused, Abbas Aslam Zaidi (34) of Thane, Maharashtra.
However, the other accused, Sharif Shaha from Nasik, Maharashtra, managed to flee but after a search operation by the police as well as the public, he too was apprehended near Apna Ghar, Merces, hiding in the bushes.
The motorcycle used by the accused persons was recovered by the police.
Gupta further informed that the duo have been involved in two more cases of chain snatching at Mapusa police station.
“Additionally, they are linked to one more case of chain snatching under Old Goa police station reported at Bamanbhat, Merces, on April 17 this year wherein a gold chain valued at Rs 95,000 was snatched from the neck of a woman while she was walking to her workplace,” Gupta added while stating that this is a major bust by the Goa Police.
When questioned whether the duo are involved in similar cases of chain snatching in Maharashtra, Gupta said that they would enquire with their counterparts about the matter.
To another question on whether they were based in Goa, Gupta said that they would come in the morning, commit the crime and then go back to Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, Gupta informed that the IRB constable who was arrested by Mopa police in a mangalsutra snatching case has been terminated from service.
SDPO Sudesh Naik and Old Goa PI Satish Padwalkar were also present.
