Haridwar Chain Snatching Spree Busted: 2 Arrested, Pistol, Jewellery & Bike Seized; Police Release Dramatic Chase Video

Haridwar: Ranipur police on Thursday, May 29, arrested two men linked to a recent spate of chain snatching incidents targeting women in Shivalik Nagar and Sidkul.

A dramatic police chase, captured on video and later released by the authorities, ended with the capture of the accused and recovery of a pistol, live cartridges, a knife, stolen jewellery, and the motorcycle used in the crimes.

Have a look at the video here:

According to police reports, the first incident occurred on May 20, when a woman near Kirby Factory in Sidkul was threatened with a pistol and robbed of her gold chain. This was followed by two more incidents on the night of May 23. In Shivalik Nagar, an elderly woman fell victim to chain snatching, while another attempt was made near Sanskar School. Although the suspects failed in the latter case and abandoned their motorcycle during their escape, CCTV footage from nearby areas proved instrumental in tracing their movements.

According to a report by Amar Ujala, Ranipur Kotwali in-charge Kamal Mohan Bhandari said that three cases were registered, two under Ranipur Kotwali and one at Sidkul police station, post the incidents. “Camera surveillance and local intelligence were key in identifying and locating the suspects,” he said, as quoted by the outlet.

How Was the Operation Carried?

The turning point came on the night of May 29 when an informer tipped off the police about the suspects’ whereabouts. Acting promptly, officers began checking vehicles at Chinmaya Chowk. Upon being signalled to stop, the suspects attempted to flee on an unpaved road towards Sidkul but were intercepted after a brief chase.

The arrested men have been identified as Ali Khan, a resident of Badheri Rajputan village, and Gulnawaz from Alipur, Bahadarabad. Police recovered a pistol, two live cartridges, a knife, one complete chain, and a broken piece of another from them. During interrogation, both confessed to their involvement in all three incidents.

After being produced in court, the duo was sent to jail. Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is underway to uncover any potential links to a wider criminal network.

Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025, 02:56 PM IST