Pickpockets have field day at Lalbaug on Anant Chaturdashi

Most victims stated that they were targeted near the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal in Lalbaug, where a large crowd had gathered for darshan. The cops have detained 11 suspects so far. Devotees stated that if the police fail to recover valuables, then the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal should compensate them.

Complainants at the Kalachowkie police station on Sunday

A police officer told mid-day, “So far, we have received many complaints about stolen mobiles and gold chains and registered 20 FIRs. We are interrogating the 11 detained suspects.”

Victims speak

Complainant: Ajay Arun Chavan, Lower Parel resident

Ajay Arun Chavan, a resident of Lower Parel, said, “I was with my family taking darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja near the main gate, just opposite the Shroff Building at Lalbaug, when someone snatched my three-tola gold chain. I registered an FIR at the Kalachowkie police station. I am also collecting signatures from other victims and writing a letter to the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal demanding compensation for our lost valuables.”

Complainant: Chaitanya Pawar, Kalachowkie resident

Ujwala Manohar Sawant, a resident of Mahim, said, “Someone snatched my gold mangalsutra, weighing 1.5 tolas, near the Shroff Building. The spot was extremely crowded. I realised only after emerging from the crowd that my chain was stolen. I registered an FIR at the Kalachowkie police station. If the police fail to recover my mangalsutra, the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal should compensate me. We will submit copies of the FIR, bills, and a letter.”

Complainant: Maruti Chaugule, Currey Road resident

Chaitanya Pawar, a resident of Kalachowkie, said, “I was with my mother, Swati Pawar, near the Shroff Building for darshan when someone snatched her two-tola gold mangalsutra.”

Ujwala Manohar Sawant, Mahim resident

Sameer Dalvi, a resident of Kalachowkie, said, “My mobile phone was stolen by an unknown person in the crowd. While taking darshan near the Shroff Building, someone lifted it from my pocket. I have lodged a complaint with the Kalachowkie police.”

Complainant: Sameer Dalvi, Kalachowkie resident

Sushma Nagoji Sarfare, a resident of Nerul, said, “I was taking darshan near the Shroff Building along with my sister when someone stole my mobile phone from my bag.” Maruti Chaugule, a resident of Currey Road, said, “I was with my family at Lalbaugcha Raja when someone snatched my 1.25-tola gold chain. I want the police to recover it.”