Mumbai: Stranger steals gold ring using handshake trick in Dadar

The victim was returning after buying vegetables near Dadar station when the accused engaged him in forced conversation. File pic/Atul Kamble

A 64-year-old technical officer with the Metro Aqua Line 3 was allegedly robbed of his gold ring by an unidentified man using a distraction tactic near the Kavi Keshavsut flyover on Senapati Bapat Road, Dadar, on February 25, around 8.30 pm.

The victim, a resident of the Gandhi Hospital staff quarters in Parel East and the sole earning member of his family, was returning after buying vegetables near Dadar station when the accused engaged him in forced conversation, claimed false familiarity, and tightly held his hand. The officer later realised his five-gramme ring, worth Rs 35,000, was missing. The Shivaji Park police have registered a case.

8.30 pm
Time incident occurred

Distraction theft pattern

Common in high-footfall commuter zones
Uses forced familiarity and physical contact
Jewellery removed without immediate detection

Modus operandi

. False claim of familiarity ("Raju Bhai's son")
. Random name-dropping to build trust
. Sustained physical contact
. Ring removed unnoticed

Location sensitivity

. Beneath Kavi Keshavsut flyover, near Dadar station
. Heavy evening commuter and market crowd
. Western Railway flagged Dadar as theft-prone for commuters

Accused description

. Male, 50-55 years
. Fair complexion, medium build
. Around 5 ft tall
. Half-sleeve blue-striped shirt, blue pants

Police advisory

. Avoid engaging with strangers
. Do not allow physical contact
. Keep valuables discreet in crowded areas
. Report suspicious behaviour immediately