Ahmedabad LCB nabs 3-member gang that stole valuables from auto passengers

The Local Crime Branch (LCB) Zone-1 of Ahmedabad City Police has arrested a three-member gang allegedly involved in stealing valuables from unsuspecting passengers by posing as co-passengers in autorickshaws, officials said on Thursday.

Police said the arrests were made as part of a special drive against rising property crimes in the city, particularly incidents involving thefts from passengers travelling in autorickshaws.

The accused have been identified as Pratapbhai Punabhai Solanki (20), Ratiben alias Premjibhai Hamirbhai Chudasama (60) and Bhanuben alias Kantaben Parshottambhai Chudasama (50). All three are currently residing in makeshift shelters near Chandranagar Bridge in Vasna and are originally from Amreli district, police said.

According to the official, the gang would board autorickshaws as co-passengers and allegedly steal valuables from fellow commuters without their knowledge before alighting unnoticed.

Acting on specific intelligence received during patrol, LCB Zone-1 officials apprehended the accused and recovered stolen property including a gold mangalsutra worth ₹1 lakh and an autorickshaw valued at ₹30,000, taking the total seizure to ₹1.30 lakh.

Police said the arrests have helped solve a theft case registered at Vadaj Police Station under provisions related to theft and common intention.

Investigators further revealed that two of the accused have prior criminal history, with previous offences of a similar nature registered against them at Khokhra Police Station earlier this year.