LCB Cracks Snatching, Vehicle Theft Cases In Ahmedabad; Gang Used Minor To Evade PASA

The Zone-5 LCB has arrested two men and detained a juvenile in conflict with the law for their alleged involvement in chain-snatching and vehicle theft cases across Ahmedabad, police said.

The investigation has solved three cases registered in Bapunagar, Krishnanagar and Ramol, with stolen property worth ₹2.69 lakh, including gold chain pieces and a motorcycle, recovered from the accused.

According to police, the gang targeted people travelling alone during the early morning and late-night hours. The alleged mastermind, Rahul Chandar Lal Khakhrani, used a minor to carry out crimes, allegedly to keep his own name away from the cases and avoid possible action under the PASA Act.

Acting on a tip-off received by PSI Kartiksinh Jadeja, the LCB team kept watch and apprehended Vivek alias Chhotu Mohanlal Meena, 18, a resident of Asarva; Rahul Chandar Lal Khakhrani, 25, a resident of Sardarnagar; and a juvenile in conflict with the law.

Police said the trio was allegedly preparing to commit another crime and attempting to sell pieces of stolen gold chains when they were apprehended.

During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed to their involvement in chain-snatching incidents in Bapunagar and Krishnanagar and a vehicle theft case in Ramol.

Minor Allegedly Used To Avoid Police Action

Police said Khakhrani was allegedly aware of the legal protection available to juveniles and deliberately involved a minor in the offences.

According to the investigation, he would lure the juvenile with small amounts of money and use him to carry out snatching incidents. Police suspect the strategy was intended to ensure that, if the minor was caught, Khakhrani could avoid being directly implicated and reduce the possibility of stringent action against himself.

Police also alleged that Khakhrani feared that multiple cases registered against him could lead to action under the PASA Act.

Stolen Motorcycle, Tampered Number Plate Used In Crimes

The gang allegedly used stolen motorcycles while committing the offences. Police said Khakhrani would tamper with the characters and digits on the motorcycle's number plate before using it.

The alleged modus operandi was intended to make it difficult for investigators to trace the motorcycle or identify the accused even if the vehicle was captured by CCTV cameras.

The LCB has recovered stolen property valued at ₹2.69 lakh, including a motorcycle and pieces of gold chains. Further investigation is underway.