As the festive fervor of Ganesh Chaturthi swept through Pune, so did a troubling surge in mobile thefts, leaving both residents and authorities concerned. With throngs of devotees and revelers gathering at crowded locations, opportunistic thieves targeted the unsuspecting, resulting in a significant rise in mobile theft-related complaints.
The epicenter of this surge in thefts was the bustling ‘peth’ areas of the city, where renowned Ganesh Mandals set up their intricately adorned pandals. Devotees from far and wide flocked to these sacred sites to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha and partake in the grandeur of the festivities.
According to official reports, an alarming total of over 1,100 complaints related to mobile theft or missing mobile phones were filed during the ten-day Ganesh festival. This staggering figure marked a significant increase compared to the previous year when 617 such complaints were registered in 2022. Law enforcement agencies noted that the majority of these cases were concentrated along the immersion procession route, with areas like Laxmi Road and Tilak Road witnessing a surge in reported incidents.
In response to this concerning trend, Pune’s city police have taken decisive action by forming a dedicated squad tasked with investigating these mobile theft cases. This specialized team will collaborate closely with the cyber cell unit to employ advanced techniques and technology in tracing the stolen cellphones.
The proactive stance of the police was evident as Hadapsar Police recently apprehended a criminal gang involved in mobile phone theft during the festival. The operation resulted in the seizure of an impressive haul of 72 stolen mobile phones from the suspects. Throughout the festival, undercover officers were strategically positioned at select locations, dressed inconspicuously to identify and apprehend mobile thieves in the act.
This proactive approach by law enforcement aims not only to address the immediate concerns of mobile theft victims but also to deter potential criminals from exploiting the festive atmosphere for illegal gains. As Pune residents and authorities join forces to combat this rising issue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the city’s vibrant celebrations.
