Assam police arrest five, including woman, in bag-snatching racket bust

In a commendable achievement, the Dispur Police have successfully dismantled a bag-snatching syndicate operating in Guwahati, resulting in the arrest of five individuals, one of whom is a woman, allegedly connected to a series of thefts.
The breakthrough came following an intensive investigation into a recent bag-snatching incident reported in the Survey area under the jurisdiction of the Dispur Police Station. Promptly responding to the complaint filed on April 23, 2024, authorities initiated Case No. 352/2024 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 356/379/323.

 

Utilizing coordinated efforts, teams from the East Police District conducted targeted raids in Tamulpur and Guwahati, culminating in the apprehension of five suspects on Saturday. Identified as Rupam Ali (18) from Morigaon, Rahul Sutradhar (21) from Barpeta, Dipak Barman (18), Nisha Barman (38), and Rahul Das (32) from PS-Tamulpur, the arrested individuals are believed to be involved in orchestrating the snatchings.

 

Earlier today, another chain theft case rattled the city as miscreants targeted an elderly woman on Christianbasti's Amaravati road. The victim fell prey to the brazen act when two individuals on a bike swiftly snatched her chain while she was out for her morning commute.

 

The incident, which occurred during the morning hours, left the victim shaken and prompted her to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at Dispur police station. The assailants, reportedly riding a motorcycle, made a quick escape after snatching the woman's chain, leaving her in a state of shock.

 

Police statements indicate that Rupam Ali, Dipak Barman, and Rahul Sutradhar were the alleged perpetrators of the crimes, primarily targeting mobile phones and handbags. The stolen items were reportedly trafficked to Rahul Das, who operates a shop in Tamulpur. Additionally, Nisha Barman is implicated in the transportation and delivery of the stolen goods to Rahul Das.

 

During the operation, law enforcement authorities made significant recoveries, including two scooters—one reported stolen from Bharalumukh and the other from the Geetanagar PS area—as well as a cache of 49 mobile phones.

 

The arrests represent a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat bag-snatching incidents in the region, highlighting the efficacy of collaborative endeavors between law enforcement agencies. Presently, the accused individuals remain in police custody as legal proceedings progress.