Irani gang behind chain-snatchings: Minister

Home Minister K J George said on Thursday that the notorious Irani gang could be involved in the spate of chain-snatching incidents that rocked Bengaluru.

Replying to questions raised by B Ramakrishna of the JD(S) in the Legislative Council, George said that members of the Irani gang were booked in 10 chain-snatching cases in 2014. “They are settled in various parts of the State but we do not know the exact details of the number of people involved in the crime,” the minister added.

Their modus operandi is to pose as policemen, approach lone women and warn them to be wary of their jewellery before snatching their chains, George said, adding that members of the gang were usually handsome. The Irani gang did not carry out crimes in a violent manner.

These Irani gangs are a nomadic tribe settled in Iranian colonies in Mumbai. Their forefathers served in the British regime as soldiers. Over a period of time, they lost jobs and became nomadic. About 15 years ago, they built their own residential colony in Mumbai, he explained.

The minister said that after committing the crime, these gangs would not return to Mumbai. They would stay for a few months in other states, making it difficult for the police to trace them, he added. George said it had come to the notice of the State government that some of these Irani gangs lived in various parts of State.