In a major breakthrough against rising incidents of chain and bag snatching, the Guwahati Police apprehended two most wanted criminals allegedly linked to the notorious “Irani Group,” police officials said on Sunday.
According to a statement shared by Guwahati Police on X
, an East Guwahati Police District (EGPD) team from Basistha Police Station carried out the operation based on specific intelligence inputs.
The arrested accused have been identified as Rakesh Gowala alias Kishore Gowala (31), a resident of Raiganj in West Bengal, and Sumit Kumar (35), a resident of Korha in Bihar. Both were reportedly involved in multiple chain-snatching and bag-snatching incidents across Assam, creating panic among commuters and pedestrians in several areas.
During the operation, police also seized a TVS Apache motorcycle bearing a fake Assam registration number plate (BR39AC9156). Investigation revealed that the motorcycle had been stolen from Katihar district in Bihar and was allegedly being used by the accused to execute snatching operations.
Police sources stated that the duo had been under surveillance for some time following repeated complaints of mobile phone, handbag, and gold chain snatching in different parts of the state. The accused allegedly used stolen motorcycles and fake number plates to avoid identification and evade law enforcement agencies.
Officials suspect that the arrested individuals are part of a wider interstate criminal network known as the “Irani Group,” which has been linked to several organized theft and snatching cases in different northeastern states.
The successful operation by the Basistha Police Station team has been hailed as a significant achievement in curbing organized street crimes in Guwahati and adjoining areas. Police officials further stated that more arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused, and further interrogation is underway to uncover additional links and criminal activities associated with the gang.
The Assam Police has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
