Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Oct 17: Bihar Police have busted an alleged inter-state gang of women accused of stealing gold chains, purses, mobile phones and cash from crowded places during Navratri and other festivals, arresting 15 women in Muzaffarpur.

The arrests were made during a raid conducted by the Nagar police station team in the Railway Station Road area on October 16.

According to police, 11 of the arrested women are from Uttar Pradesh, while the remaining four hail from Siwan district in Bihar. Cash, gold jewellery and mobile phones were recovered from their possession.

City Superintendent of Police Mohibullah Ansari shared details of the operation at a press conference on Saturday, saying surveillance had been intensified across the city to prevent chain-snatching and thefts during the festive season.

On October 16, the Nagar police received information that a group of women from outside the state was planning to carry out thefts in Muzaffarpur, targeting gold chains, mobile phones and purses.

Acting on the tip-off, a police team raided the area and apprehended the 15 women.

Police alleged that the gang members targeted fairs, religious gatherings and other crowded public places during festivals such as Durga Puja. They reportedly surrounded unsuspecting women and devotees before stealing gold chains and other jewellery whenever an opportunity arose.

The accused also allegedly targeted purses, mobile phones and cash, carrying out the thefts discreetly to avoid attracting attention.

The arrested women reportedly include residents of Gorakhpur, Deoria and Azamgarh districts of Uttar Pradesh, along with four women from the Bhagwanpur area of Siwan district in Bihar.

During the operation, police recovered Rs 16,800 in cash, three gold lockets, earrings and mobile phones. However, initial reports differed on the exact number of mobile phones seized.

Police are examining the criminal records of the accused and investigating their possible involvement in theft cases reported in other parts of Muzaffarpur district.

Ansari said the women were being interrogated to ascertain their alleged involvement in incidents reported under various police station jurisdictions.

Investigators are also attempting to establish who brought the women to Muzaffarpur, whether anyone provided them with accommodation or assistance, and if other members of the alleged gang are operating in the city.

Police are working to identify the suspected gang leader and determine whether the group was involved in theft cases elsewhere in the region.

With festivals attracting large crowds to markets, fairs and religious venues, police have stepped up efforts to curb chain-snatching and pickpocketing. The investigation is continuing, and further details are awaited.