Thane: Two members each of the Irani gang and the Shikalgaar gang have been arrested by the Kalyan unit of the Thane Crime Branch. Police have solved 29 criminal cases and recovered property worth Rs36.29 lakh from the accused.

Over the past few months, there has been a rise in crimes like gold chain snatching, vehicle theft, and housebreak-ins in the Kalyan-Dombivli area. In response, all crime branch units have been directed to crack down on the offenses, Crime Branch Deputy Commissioner of Police Amarsingh Jadhav said in a statement.

Crime Branch arrested Wasim Yusuf Ali Sayyed alias Wasim Kala (30) and Kausar Yusuf Ali Jafri alias Bushi (33) – members of the Irani gang. A close watch on the Shikalgaar gang led to the arrest of Shivasingh Bawri (25) and Poonamkaur Bawri (37).

Interrogation of the arrested revealed their involvement in 29 crimes. Police have seized gold ornaments, six four-wheelers, and other items totaling Rs 36.29 lakh. The operation was carried out under the leadership of senior police inspector Ajit Shinde.