Times News Network
Seized items
Surat: A 19-year-old serial chain snatcher, who allegedly turned to crime to fund his lavish lifestyle, has been arrested by the Surat crime branch. Police said the accused targeted morning walkers and committed nine chain-snatching offences over the past few months.Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Bhave Rojiya said the accused, Dev Vaghela, confessed to carrying out nine chain-snatching incidents. “He was addicted to a luxury lifestyle and was constantly in need of money. This drove him to commit chain-snatching offences, mostly targeting morning walkers. He even purchased an expensive motorcycle so that he could escape in ‘Dhoom’ style after committing the crimes,” Rojiya said.Police seized two stolen gold chains and the motorcycle used in the offences, with the total value of the recovered property estimated at Rs 5.75 lakh.Vaghela was already wanted in two chain-snatching cases registered at Pal and Singanpor police stations. During interrogation, he confessed to seven more offences.According to police, he first struck on April 27, snatching a gold chain from a morning walker near the Pal-Umra bridge. About 10 days later, he committed another chain-snatching at the same location. He also allegedly targeted victims near the Pal canal, Botanical Garden and other areas in Adajan over the past three months.Police are investigating whether the accused was involved in additional offences in the city.
