Mumbai: Snatchers, who evaded police by going bald & clean-shaven, arrested

It is not unheard of for criminals to alter their appearances to give police the slip. The Mumbai police ended the joyride of one such gang.

It is not unheard of for criminals to alter their appearances to give police the slip. The Mumbai police recently ended the joyride of an ambitious gang of chain snatchers in the city who had mastered the art of disguise. Their modus operandi was simple, but effective: the gang of accused would grow their hair and beards before committing a crime, and afterwards, they would go completely clean-shaven or sport a bald pate to evade the notice of cops. Aarey police arrested three people Abdul Ali Sheikh, 21, Aarif Khatik, 20, and Raghav Chauhan, 19. So far, four bikes and 14 mobile phones have been recovered from the accused; more stolen items will be recovered in the next few days. The cops said that the accused have more cases registered against them at various police stations in Mumbai. In order to nab the snatchers, the police laid their trap in advance. Dressed in plain clothes, officials from Aarey police station were patrolling the Virvani industrial area, which happens to be a chain-snatching hotspot. The accused arrived at the spot and this sparked the cops’ suspicion. The gang of thieves then tried to run away but the cops gave chase and caught them.