Ahmedabad Crime Branch nabs two for stealing jewellery, cash from auto passengers

Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested two persons for allegedly stealing gold and silver jewellery along with cash from unsuspecting passengers travelling in auto-rickshaws in the Kagdapith area of the city.

Police said valuables collectively worth ₹4.21 lakh, including gold ornaments, silver jewellery, cash and the auto-rickshaw allegedly used in the crime, were recovered from the accused.

According to officials, the case was registered at Kagdapith Police Station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The incident took place on May 3 when the complainant boarded an auto-rickshaw from the Geeta Mandir area. During the journey, three persons who were already seated inside the vehicle allegedly distracted the passenger and stealthily stole gold and silver ornaments along with ₹5,000 in cash from the victim’s purse without his knowledge.

Following the complaint, Crime Branch officials launched an investigation using CCTV footage, technical surveillance and human intelligence inputs.

The arrested accused were identified as Salimbhai alias Sallo Mohammadbhai Sheikh, 43, a casual labourer residing in Danilimda, and Samsherkhan Namdarkhan Pathan, 37, an auto-rickshaw driver residing in Danilimda.

Police said the duo was apprehended near the Adani CNG pump close to the ST Workshop area in Danilimda and later handed over to Kagdapith police for further investigation.

During the operation, police recovered a gold chain worth ₹1.60 lakh, a gold pendant valued at ₹44,000, two pairs of gold earrings worth more than ₹1.07 lakh, a silver neck chain with an 'Om' pendant, two silver rings and ₹5,000 in cash allegedly stolen from the complainant.

Officials also seized the Bajaj RE Auto Rickshaw allegedly used in the commission of the offence, valued at approximately ₹1 lakh.