The MHB police have arrested two habitual offenders allegedly linked to the notorious ‘Kale-Pawar Gang’, known across Maharashtra for cheating elderly women by posing as religious benefactors and using sleight-of-hand tricks to steal gold jewellery.

Police said the duo targeted elderly women wearing gold ornaments. They would spin an emotional tale, claiming a wealthy businessman had been blessed with a child after fulfilling a religious vow and was now distributing clothes and essential items to the needy. The victims were told the benefactor helped only the poor and would not give charity to anyone wearing gold.