Rickshaw driver, accomplice arrested for stealing mobile phone in Mumbai

The two were part of a gang involved in mobile theft.

A rickshaw driver and his accomplice, who had escaped after snatching a man’s mobile phone at Ghatkopar in May this year, were arrested on Sunday.

Picture for representation

The accused have been identified as Shafiq Sayyed, 28, the rickshaw driver, and his accomplice, Mehfooz Ansari, 39.

On May 29, Mulund resident Sunil Chaukekar was walking on the road at Kamraj Nagar in Ghatkopar (East) while talking on his phone, when suddenly a person seated in the passenger seat of a rickshaw snatched his phone. It was later revealed that Shafiq was driving. while Mehfooz had snatched the phone.

Chaukekar tried to give the rickshaw a chase, but to no avail. He then approached the Pant Nagar police station, where a case was registered against unidentified persons.

In a parallel investigation conducted by unit 7 of the crime branch, the police rounded up history-sheeters, after which it was revealed that Shafiq and Mehfooz were involved. “The duo has previous cases registered against them,” said a police officer privy to the investigation.

Investigations revealed that four people are part of the gang, which has been involved in similar crimes of stealing and robbery. “We are looking out for two more suspects,” said the officer.

The accused ensured that the police would not be able to trace them with technical surveillance. “After stealing a phone, the gang changes its IMEI number,” said the officer.

The two accused have been handed over to Pant Nagar police station, where the offence has been registered for further investigations. “Shafiq used the rickshaw for the crime, which he was driving,” said the officer.