Senior citizens targeted in gold theft spree during auto-rickshaw rides in Ahmedabad

A series of thefts targeting senior citizens during auto-rickshaw rides has raised serious safety concerns across Ahmedabad. Three separate incidents involving the theft of gold jewellery have been reported in recent weeks, prompting police investigations and calls for increased vigilance.  

Incident 1: Theft During an Overcrowded Ride  

A 62-year-old woman, Kiranben Ashwinbhai Limbachia, filed a complaint at Naranpura Police Station after her gold bangle, weighing 16.31 grams and valued at approximately ₹1 lakh, was stolen on November 27, 2024. Kiranben was travelling in an overcrowded auto-rickshaw from Ankur Crossroads to Pallava Crossroads for a physiotherapy session when her 22-carat gold bangle was surreptitiously removed from her wrist.  

She discovered the loss only after returning home and conducted a thorough search before reporting the theft. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area and investigating the co-passengers who were present in the rickshaw at the time.  

Incident 2: Sentimental Loss for a Retired Teacher 

In another case, Hansaben Chimanlal Upadhyay, a 73-year-old retired teacher, reported the theft of her gold bangle, valued at approximately ₹60,000, to the Vasana Police Station. The theft occurred on November 5, 2024, during an auto-rickshaw ride back home from the Omkaleshwar Mahadev Temple.  

Hansaben boarded a rickshaw near Patel School, which already had three passengers—a woman and two men. Upon reaching her residential society, she realized her bangle was missing. Due to the absence of a purchase receipt and personal commitments, she delayed filing the complaint until December 30, 2024. Vasana Police are examining CCTV footage and investigating the suspects.  

Incident 3: Theft Near Gujarat Vidyapith

The third incident involved Hansaben Ishwarbhai Patel, a resident of Jaideep Society, who lost her gold bangle weighing 7 grams and valued at approximately ₹75,000 during a shared auto-rickshaw ride on November 29, 2024.  

The theft occurred near the Gujarat Vidyapith gate at Income Tax Four Roads. Hansaben reported that the rickshaw driver briefly asked her to alight due to overcrowding. Upon resuming her journey, she discovered her bangle was missing and suspects the involvement of the driver and fellow passengers. Vadaj Police suspect the work of an organized gang targeting shared transport users and are investigating the incident.  

Rising Safety Concerns  

These incidents highlight the vulnerability of senior citizens, especially those who rely on public transport. In response, the police have issued the following safety recommendations:  

- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery while commuting.  

- Exercise caution when travelling in overcrowded vehicles.  

- Report thefts promptly to facilitate swift investigations.  

Senior citizens and their families are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents.