The accused targets pedestrians at random crowded streets, intentionally getting close to unsuspecting individuals to provoke an interaction and create a moment for confrontation. ILLUSTRATION/UDAY MOHITE

He deliberately bumped into the victim sparking an argument, repeatedly shouting “sorry bol,” then blocking their way and using threatening gestures to keep the victim distracted during the confrontation

Using confusion and fear during staged altercations, the accused, Sadik Mohammed Akhtar Khan snatched the victims’ gold chain then vanished into crowded lanes

The brazen operandi came to a dramatic end with the Kasturba Marg Police arresting the Bhiwandi resident, Sadik Khan

The 36 year old who has over 25 criminal cases across Mumbai and Thane, was earlier jailed under MCOCA and is suspected to be linked to multiple chain-snatching cases. (Pic/By Special Arrangement)

Investigators are now probing whether Khan used the same methods in other cases and are trying to recover additional stolen property. Representational Image