Woman Gang Specializing in Mangalsutra Theft Busted in Bhopal, Valuables Worth 2 Lakh Recovered

Female Gang Specializing in Mangalsutra Theft Busted

Bhopal Police have successfully dismantled a female gang that actively operated in crowded areas, preying on women and snatching their jewelry. The Ayodhyanagar police station apprehended two accused women who, after shoving a victim in Mangal Market, fled with her mangalsutra.

The police recovered a 15-gram mangalsutra, valued at approximately 2 lakh rupees, from the arrested women. This gang specifically exploited crowds to carry out their thefts. In response to a rise in theft, robbery, and fraud incidents across Bhopal, Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar and Additional Police Commissioner Shailendra Singh Chauhan had ordered enhanced surveillance in crowded markets, fairs, religious gatherings, and other public spaces.

This operation was conducted under the direction of Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone-02 Vikas Sahwal, supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Mini Shukla, and guidance of Assistant Police Commissioner M.P. Nagar Division Rajnish Kashyap, with the Ayodhyanagar police taking significant action.

Methodical Execution of Crimes

According to information received, on the night of August 19, 2026, around 10:30 PM, Radha Ahirwar (53), a resident of Eco Green City, Bhopal, was shopping for vegetables at the weekly Mangal Market. While she was in the crowd, two unknown women positioned themselves behind her and shoved her, causing her to fall to the ground.

Seizing the opportunity, the perpetrators snatched the gold mangalsutra from her neck and began to flee, blending into the crowd. Hearing the victim's cries, a police team on duty at Mangal Market immediately responded. The police officers, with the help of bystanders, pursued and apprehended both fleeing women.

Upon searching them, the police recovered the stolen mangalsutra from the accused.

Gang Operated from Maharashtra

The arrested women have been identified as Jayshree Anil Sonone (30) and Aruna Sandeep Maratha (35). Preliminary interrogation revealed that both women hail from Shegaon in Buldhana district, Maharashtra.

Police sources indicate that these women typically worked as domestic help, cleaning homes. This provided them with an opportunity to target women in crowded public places and snatch jewelry. Police also suspect that the accused women may have infiltrated affluent colonies by posing as domestic helpers, potentially committing thefts within households.

Currently, the police are conducting intensive interrogation of both accused to gather information about the extent of their criminal network, past offenses, and potential accomplices. It is possible that this gang is active in cities other than Bhopal, a possibility that is currently under investigation.

Financial Value and Legal Action

The recovered mangalsutra weighs approximately 15 grams and is estimated to be worth around 2 lakh rupees. A case has been registered at the Ayodhyanagar police station under crime number 418/26, invoking sections 309(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code.

The police are continuing their investigation to identify other members of the gang and uncover their previous thefts. This incident highlights how organized gangs systematically target ordinary citizens. The proactive approach of the police against such groups is crucial.

The swift action and promptness of the Ayodhyanagar police not only helped deliver justice to the victim but also served as a significant step in preventing future incidents. The police's vigilance continues.

Police Vigilance Continues

Key personnel involved in this operation included Station House Officer Inspector Mahesh Lilhare, Sub-Inspectors Ramraj Singh Baghel, Surekha Armo, and Vijay Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Manoj Singh Kachhwaha, Head Constable 3330 Atul Singh, Constable 1706 Roshni Jain, Woman Constable Veena Chaturvedi, Constable 334 Hatendra Sagar, and Constable Vivek, along with several other police team members. Their intelligence and promptness were instrumental in the immediate apprehension of the criminals.

Police officials stated that actions against such gangs operating in crowded areas will continue. They have also appealed to the public to remain extra vigilant about their valuables, especially jewelry, in markets, religious places, and other public areas, and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Citizen vigilance and police cooperation are most effective in curbing crime.

This incident also indicates the need for further strengthening security arrangements in public places.