Srinagar: Police in Sopore have arrested two persons for their alleged complicity in several cases of theft and snatching.
Sharing details, a police spokesperson informed that seven pairs of gold earrings have been recovered from the two arrested persons.
During investigation of case wherein a woman from Seelo was looted of her gold earrings by an unknown person after threatening her with a knife, police said with the help of CCTV analysis, technical inputs, and field verification, it arrested one Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat of Haripora, Langate, Handwara. The stolen earrings looted from the woman were subsequently recovered at his instance, police said.
Further investigation and detailed examination of the accused generated leads regarding his alleged involvement in similar other incidents.
Investigation revealed a recurring modus operandi wherein the accused allegedly targeted elderly and vulnerable women on the pretext of helping them obtain benefits under government welfare schemes. After gaining their confidence, he would persuade them to remove and hand over their gold ornaments and thereafter flee with the jewellery.
In some cases, force or intimidation was also used.
Police said seven pairs of gold earrings were recovered even as a goldsmith Sayed Ahmed Khan of Sangrama, who had received the stolen jewellery was also arrested.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of the accused in other cases, police said.
