Thieves Target Chinchpokli Ganpati Procession, Steal Lakhs Worth Goods

A massive crowd gathered for the Chinchpokli Chintamani Ganpati arrival procession in Mumbai yesterday, but the event also became a target for thieves. Several devotees reported thefts of gold ornaments and mobile phones, with multiple cases registered at Kalachowki Police Station.

One incident involved 32-year-old Jyoti Nikhil Rane, who lost her 15-gram gold mangalsutra worth around ₹1 lakh. The theft occurred at around 2.30 pm outside Gurukrupa in Lalbaug, where an unidentified man allegedly pulled away her chain amidst the huge crowd. Rane sustained a neck injury during the incident.

In another incident, 18-year-old Aditya Anant Sawant was robbed of his 15-gram gold chain worth around ₹1 lakh near Ladusamrat in Lalbaug. The unidentified accused allegedly pulled the chain from Sawant's neck and fled, causing a minor injury to the victim.

The procession also saw a series of mobile phone thefts. Aryan Sagar Gaikwad, 22, reported that his blue iPhone 12, valued at around ₹50,000, was stolen from his trouser pocket while he was near Gurukrupa Hotel at Ganesh Galli in Lalbaug. Another person, Arjun Akash Rajbhar, 21, reported that his brother's black iPhone 11 worth around ₹40,000 had also been stolen near Avighna Building at Curry Road.

Narendrasinh Baljeetsingh Bajwa, 31, said his iPhone 17 Pro worth around ₹1 lakh was stolen from his pocket while he was attending the procession near Garamkhada Junction around 5 pm. Several other devotees also reported losing their mobile phones during the procession, with the total value of the stolen phones estimated at ₹8.27 lakh.

The police are investigating whether the thefts were carried out by an organised gang taking advantage of the massive crowd. The incidents have raised concerns over pickpocketing and theft during major religious processions.

The Chinchpokli Chintamani Ganpati arrival ceremony is a significant event in Mumbai, with thousands of devotees participating. The police have registered multiple cases and are working to identify the perpetrators.

The thefts have highlighted the need for increased security measures during large public gatherings. The police are urging devotees to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their belongings.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police are reviewing footage from the area to identify the suspects. The incidents have caused concern among the public, and the police are working to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Chinchpokli Chintamani Ganpati procession is a popular event in Mumbai, and the thefts have marred the celebrations. The police are working to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future and that the public can participate in the festivities without worrying about their safety.

In conclusion, the thefts during the Chinchpokli Chintamani Ganpati procession have highlighted the need for increased security measures during large public gatherings. The police are working to identify the perpetrators and prevent such incidents in the future.