Eight From West Bengal Held For Chain Snatching On Locals Trains; Inter-State Gang Busted

Bandra Government Railway Police have arrested eight members of a notorious interstate gang from West Bengal, involved in multiple cases of chain snatching across Mumbai’s suburban railway network. This arrest has led to the unmasking of a major inter-state chain snatching racket that primarily targeted unsuspecting passengers aboard local trains.

Profiles of the Accused

The case was triggered by a complaint lodged by 18-year-old Karan Ramesh Alva, a resident of Nalasopara, who had his gold chain snatched while boarding the Down Virar local from Platform No. 4 at Bandra Railway Station on July 25, 2025.  He reported the theft at the Bandra Railway Police Station, leading to the registration of FIR No. 312/2025 under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the BNS.

Tech and Tip-Off Lead to Arrest

Following the incident, the police launched a detailed investigation using CCTV footage from Bandra Station and other surveillance systems across the city. Based on visual evidence and intelligence from informants, the police received a tip that the accused would be arriving near Haji Ali. Acting swiftly, a team was deployed under the guidance of senior officers, leading to the successful arrest of all eight suspects.

Profiles of the Accused

“The arrested individuals have been identified as Rafikul Zakir Hussain Shah (34), a fish seller with a prior criminal record registered at Dadar Railway Police Station; Ifrat Salim Laskar (32), previously involved in cases at Dadar and Borivali Railway Police Stations; Tutul Yunus Shaikh (35), with past involvement in chain snatching incidents in 2012 and 2019; Nawab Ali Rahmat Ali Mulla (43); Seluddin Mujibur Rahman Shaikh (32), a laborer; Jakir Rais Zakir (40); Abdul Salam Jamaat Ali Ghazi (33); and Ramzan Surmat Mulla (50), a known repeat offender in Mumbai.” said an official.

Confession and Seizure

“All the accused hail from different villages within South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, and during interrogation, confessed to having executed numerous chain snatchings across Mumbai’s railway stations. Upon their arrest, the police recovered five gold chains weighing a total of 38.73 grams, with an estimated value of Rs 3,50,261” he said.

Crackdown Led by Top Brass

The operation was carried out under the leadership of Government Railway  police Commissioner of Mumbai  Rakesh Kalasagar. On-ground execution was led by Senior Police Inspector Nandkumar Khadkikar, with the support of PSI V.K. Jadhav and officers from the Bandra Railway Police Station.

Warning to Criminal Elements

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring commuter safety and have issued a stern warning that incidents of theft and chain snatching in the local train network will be tackled with strict and immediate action. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover more links and possible accomplices connected to this inter-state gang.