Ahmedabad, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has apprehended a trio involved in a series of thefts aimed at senior citizens, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.

The suspects reportedly offered rides to elderly individuals in an autorickshaw, during which they pilfered cash and gold jewelry. These arrests are associated with a case filed at the Sardarnagar police station.

The individuals have been identified as Mohmad Yunus alias Chacha, 46; Imtiyaz alias Kuli, 36; and Sakil, 38, all from Ahmedabad. They were captured under the Jamalpur Bridge while riding in an autorickshaw and were discovered with stolen items.

This case unfolded after a retired SRP police inspector reported a robbery while en route to a wedding in his hometown. He had in his possession his pension and household gold at the time.

The police retrieved various items, including a gold necklace with a pendant valued at Rs 3,10,000, two gold chains worth Rs 3,11,000 and Rs 1,56,000, two gold rings valued at Rs 73,000, and cash totaling Rs 5,28,000. All these items belonged to the complainant.

In total, property worth Rs 15,38,000 was confiscated, including an autorickshaw valued at Rs 1,50,000 and two mobile phones worth Rs 10,000.

A Crime Branch official informed IANS that the investigation demanded persistent efforts, stating, “It took nearly five days to trace them. We extensively analyzed CCTV footage and relied on human intelligence.”

He remarked that the absence of a number plate complicated the identification process. “They had removed the number plate from the autorickshaw, making tracking difficult, but we utilized other investigative techniques,” he added.

According to police reports, the suspects intentionally targeted elderly passengers at pick-up locations. “They specifically focused on senior citizens and have engaged in similar crimes previously. Their current arrest is linked to this case,” the official noted, mentioning that one suspect is still on the run and is believed to be in possession of Rs 60,000.

Officials disclosed that the suspects would divert the passengers’ attention during the ride to steal valuables from their belongings, later dropping them off.

The offense has been registered under Sections 303(2) and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

During interrogation, the accused admitted to being involved in other similar crimes throughout the city.

About 15 days prior, they allegedly stole a gold necklace weighing approximately 23.3 grams from a couple at a bus stand in the Vasna area.

A month ago, a woman traveling from Naroda Patiya reported the theft of a pair of earrings and a ring. Moreover, around 17 days ago, Rs 1,00,000 in cash was taken from a woman's bag in the same vicinity, and approximately a month and a quarter ago, Rs 50,000 was allegedly stolen from a passenger in the Jashodanagar neighborhood.

Police records show that the accused have prior cases against them: Chacha has four, Imtiyaz has two, and Sakil has one. Further investigations are ongoing.