Serial Chain-Snatcher Caught in Vadodara: Ahmedabad Resident Held with Gold Worth ₹4.25 Lakh

Vadodara, June 26, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough, Vadodara Police have arrested a habitual chain-snatcher with a long history of similar crimes across Gujarat. The accused, a 34-year-old man hailing from Ahmedabad, was apprehended in a joint operation between the city’s Crime Branch and local police. Officers recovered stolen gold chains worth ₹4.25 lakh, believed to be linked to at least seven separate thefts in and around Vadodara.

The arrest not only marks the end of a month-long manhunt but also brings temporary relief to citizens, especially elderly women who were the primary targets of the suspect's swift and violent snatching sprees.

A Calculated Criminal: Who is the Accused?

The arrested individual has been identified as Rafiq Shaikh, a known offender with prior convictions in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Surat. According to Vadodara Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, Shaikh had developed a pattern of traveling by two-wheeler between districts, targeting residential areas during early mornings and late evenings.

“He had multiple fake vehicle plates and constantly switched SIM cards to avoid detection,” said DCP (Crime) Dharmendra Bhagat, during a press briefing. “We used a mix of traditional surveillance and mobile tower triangulation to track his movements.”

The breakthrough came when police traced a pawned gold chain sold to a jeweller in Manjalpur. After matching CCTV footage and verifying identity records, a team was dispatched to Ahmedabad, where Shaikh was caught near Dariyapur railway crossing.

For a deeper look at Gujarat’s rising crime trends, refer to the Gujarat State Crime Statistics on NCRB.

Operation and Modus Operandi

Rafiq Shaikh typically operated solo, using either a stolen motorcycle or a rented scooty. He targeted women walking alone or in less-patrolled neighborhoods. His method involved rapid snatching of gold chains, often pushing the victim to the ground, and escaping through narrow lanes to avoid police patrol routes.

In the past year, similar incidents were reported in Akota, Gotri, Fatehgunj, and Nizampura. According to police records, at least six FIRs from various police stations are being linked to Shaikh through recovered ornaments and witness identification.

For crime prevention tips and safety advice for senior citizens, visit the Vadodara Police’s official website.

Recovered Evidence

From the suspect, police recovered:

• Seven gold chains weighing a total of 126 grams

• One Honda Activa with a fake number plate

• Five mobile phones, some reported stolen

• Multiple pawnshop receipts, revealing attempts to sell stolen jewellery under false names

The gold chains are being held as evidence and will soon be returned to verified owners after legal clearance.

For gold purity testing and recovery process standards, you can refer to the Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines.

Habitual Offender Under NDPS and IPC Charges

Interestingly, Shaikh had earlier served time under Section 379 (theft) and Section 392 (robbery) of the Indian Penal Code. He was released on bail in 2022 and has since absconded from multiple court summons.

This time, police are pushing for stronger judicial action under habitual offender provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Legal experts suggest he may face a non-bailable warrant and preventive detention, given his history and the repeat nature of his crimes.

For more details on laws relating to theft and repeat offenders, Live Law offers in-depth legal interpretation.

Public Reaction and Safety Measures

The arrest has sparked public conversations around urban safety in Vadodara. Local residents have demanded better CCTV surveillance, patrolling, and street lighting in high-risk areas. Women’s groups have also urged for faster judicial trials and victim compensation.

In response, police officials have proposed:

• Installation of high-definition CCTV units in vulnerable residential sectors

• Deployment of plainclothes officers in key zones

• Community outreach through the “Suraksha Setu Society”, a Gujarat Police civic engagement initiative

• Encouraging citizens to use the GUJSAFE Mobile App, designed for emergency alerts and anonymous tip-offs

The Bigger Picture: Is Chain Snatching Rising in Gujarat?

According to 2024 crime data, chain snatching cases in Gujarat rose by 11%, with Ahmedabad and Vadodara among the top five districts reporting such crimes. Experts attribute this trend to economic desperation post-pandemic, lack of deterrent penalties, and inefficient judicial timelines.

“Chain snatching may seem like a petty crime, but its psychological and economic toll, especially on senior citizens, is severe,” notes Dr. Kiran Desai, criminologist at MS University of Baroda.

To learn more about India's urban crime trends, read the latest India Justice Report by Tata Trusts.

Conclusion

With the arrest of Rafiq Shaikh, Vadodara Police have closed a troubling chapter for several victims and neighborhoods. However, authorities are clear that this is part of a longer-term battle to restore public trust and deter habitual criminals. As the investigation expands and more victims come forward, the focus now shifts to speedy trial and conviction to ensure meaningful justice.