Pune: Despite heavy security arrangements in place for the ongoing Ganesh festival, two incidents of chain snatching were reported in the city.

Both incidents involved women being targeted by thieves on motorcycles who stole gold jewelry from their necks in different parts of Pune.

The first incident took place near the vegetable market square in Karvenagar, where an elderly woman was robbed of her mangalsutra worth ₹105,000. The incident occurred around 6 PM on Monday when the woman was walking through the market area.

According to her complaint filed at Warje Malwadi Police Station, two men on a motorcycle approached her, swiftly snatched the mangalsutra, and fled the scene.

Assistant Police Inspector Mohite has been assigned to investigate the case. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits and enhance security measures in the vicinity.

In another similar incident in the Khadki area, a woman was targeted by motorcycle-borne thieves who snatched her gold chain worth ₹30,000. The incident occurred around 6:30 PM on Sunday, September 8, when the complainant was passing through the Khadki area with her daughter in her arms.

The thieves took advantage of the situation and swiftly grabbed the chain before speeding away. A complaint has been filed at the Khadki Police Station, and Assistant Police Inspector Deshmukh is handling the investigation. Police are intensifying patrols in the area and are appealing to the public to remain vigilant.

The incidents occurred despite the city’s extensive security arrangements for the Ganesh festival, which include the deployment of approximately 5,500 police personnel across various parts of Pune.

In addition, Crime Branch teams have been instructed to conduct foot patrols to ensure the safety of citizens during the festivities. The police have reassured the public that efforts are being made to prevent further incidents, and investigations are underway to catch the perpetrators.