Pune: Amidst the bustling Diwali shopping crowd on Laxmi Road, Pune, two women were arrested for allegedly stealing gold chains from children.

The incident took place on Saturday (October 19) afternoon around 2 PM in front of Moolchand Mill, a shop known for its Paithani saree sale, located at Belbaug Chowk.

The two women, identified as Renuka Pawar (30) and Sangita Ankush Sukule (45), both residents of Bhosari, were caught in the act. However, their male accomplice managed to flee the scene.

The arrest was made following a complaint filed by a 27-year-old woman from Ambegaon Budruk at Vishrambaug Police Station.

According to the police, the Paithani saree sale at Moolchand Mill attracted a large number of women, creating a crowded environment. The complainant was standing on the footpath outside the store when the two women attempted to steal gold chains from her child and another child.

The women were apprehended by bystanders and subsequently handed over to the police. The investigation is being carried out by Constable Bhujbal.

Recently, Faraskhana police successfully apprehended a gang involved in stealing women’s jewelry by exploiting the crowded conditions during the Ganesh festival and within Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses.

The arrested suspects include Vicky Krishna Mane (19), Raj Krishna Mane (23), and Krishna Ramesh Mane (44), all residents of Sarvodaya Colony in Mundhwa, along with Sudhir Nag Nath Jadhav (46) from Shastrinagar, Mundhwa, and Santosh Sharanappa Jadhav (40) from Manjari Budruk.