02 October,2026 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
Accused Kumar Babu Chavan (in hood) in Navi Mumbai police custody
A delivery agent allegedly on a chain-snatching spree was brought to an abrupt halt when Navi Mumbai Crime Branch officers pulled him off his scooter after he tried to flee during interception. The accused, Kumar Babu Chavan, 24, a delivery agent with an online platform, was arrested by Crime Branch Unit 1 on September 25 at around 6.40 pm for his alleged involvement in chain-snatching cases in Sanpada, Vashi, and Koparkhairane. He is currently being interrogated in custody, said police.
According to the police, investigators identified the suspect from his clothing and the grey scooter allegedly used in the offences.
Navi Mumbai cops nab the accused as tries to flee. Pics/By Special Arrangement
When police spotted the suspect matching the description riding a similar scooter, they signaled him to stop. However, he allegedly accelerated and attempted to escape. Police personnel then used necessary force to stop him and took him into custody along with the scooter.
"The accused had good knowledge of the roads, lanes, and routes in the Sanpada, Vashi, and Koparkhairane areas because of his delivery job, which allegedly helped him in carrying out the offences and escaping," said ACP (Crime) Bhausaheb Dhole, based on the findings detailed by the Crime Branch.
According to police, after losing money in gambling, he allegedly resorted to chain-snatching to arrange money to gamble again, creating a cycle of theft and gambling.
Following his arrest, the police recovered eight gold chains and mangalsutras weighing 68.84 grams valued at R7.92 lakh in total from the accused.
