Thane police bust mobile phone snatching ring with Nepal connection

THANE: The Naupada police in Thane have apprehended two individuals involved in a mobile phone snatching racket linked to Nepal. The duo is accused of stealing 24 mobile phones worth Rs 5.4 lakh across the city.
The first arrest came on April 22 this year when 20-year-old Faiz Wahid Shaikh, a Bhiwandi resident, was caught following extensive CCTV analysis and surveillance.According to police, Shaikh confessed to his involvement in four mobile snatching cases within the Naupada Police Station jurisdiction, said a police officer.
On August 10, 2024, the police nabbed the second accused, Azharuddin Moinuddin Momin, in Majiwada, Thane. Momin had been evading arrest for four months. "Momin admitted to participating in six offences and revealed a potential international connection, stating that stolen phones were being sent to Nepal via Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh," a police officer informed.
The police have recovered 24 stolen mobile phones valued at Rs 5.4 lakh and two motorcycles used in the crimes. These arrests have helped solve multiple cases registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 392 (robbery) and 379 (theft).
Commending the investigation team's efforts, Additional Police Commissioner Vinayak Deshmukh stated, "This operation demonstrates our commitment to curbing street crimes and ensuring public safety."
The Thane Police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the racket, particularly the alleged Nepal connection. "We are investigating the further links to the case and other accused if involved in the mobile snatching racket," said the officer.