Pune-based chain snatcher targeting women passengers in train arrested at Secunderabad station

Hyderabad: The Government Railway Police (GRP) on Tuesday arrested a habitual offender who was involved in multiple gold chain snatching cases targeting women train passengers.

Accused identified as repeat offender

The arrested person has been identified as Mothilal Reddappa Pawar alias Mothilal (24), a native of Karnataka who had moved to Pune, Maharashtra, in search of livelihood as a labourer.

30 previous offences, no change in behaviour

According to police, Pawar was previously involved in over 30 property offences and had served multiple jail terms. Despite his recent release on bail, he resumed his criminal activities due to financial problems.

Snatched chains to pay advocate fees

Police said Pawar was under financial stress as he needed money to pay his advocate’s fees and also wanted to secure the release of his associates from jail. He then decided to return to Hyderabad to commit offences.

Targeted women passengers in express and MMTS trains

On July 14, he snatched a gold chain from a passenger in the Palnadu Express. Five days later, on July 19, he committed a similar offence in an MMTS train. Following complaints, police registered separate cases and launched a manhunt.

Arrested while moving suspiciously

Based on credible information, GRP personnel apprehended Pawar while he was moving suspiciously at Secunderabad Railway Station. During interrogation, he confessed to the crimes.

The police are verifying his involvement in other similar cases reported recently. Further investigation is in progress.