Crime branch nabs 6 for planning dacoity

The city crime branch sleuths have arrested a six-member gang planning to commit a dacoity in Kurla. The police recovered nine gold chains and a firearm from their possession. A probe revealed that the gang used to commit thefts at railway stations.

The accused have been identified as Alok Sardar, Abdul Hassan alias Bablu Haneef Ghazi, Haidarali Shaikh, Haidarali Aakhon, Mohiuddin Mulla and Saddam Shaikh.

According to the police, officers from the Chembur unit of crime branch received a tip-off that a gang was planning a dacoity on a jewellery shop in Kurla's Nehru Nagar. Subsequently, a trap was laid and the gang was nabbed as soon as they arrived at the spot on Thursday afternoon.

The police seized a country-made pistol, two live rounds, four mobile phones, two bags and nine gold chains from the suspects.

"Some of the gang members have criminal history. Haidarali and Aakhon have cases of theft and drug peddling registered against them in Mumbai, Thane and Kolkata. They also used to snatch gold chains of commuters in crowded trains," said a crime branch officer.