Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the accused, Sajid Sheikh (31), and his accomplice have reportedly carried out over 100 chain snatchings in the past one-and-a-half years.

“The motorcycle borne accused had snatched a chain at 2:30 pm on Tuesday from Sion and sped towards Bhoiwada where they snatched another chain. The incidents were relayed over the wireless across local police stations and almost 400 police personnel were deployed on the city’s roads to keep a tab on suspicious motorcyclists. One of the accused was nabbed at Worli,” said Additional Commissioner of Police, Central region, Sadanand Date.

The Worli police had set up a nakabandi near Mela junction. “We spotted a motorcycle slowing down as it approached the nakabandi. The rider tried to turn around. Police personnel stationed there surrounded the bike. An official spotted a dagger hidden inside the pillion rider’s shirt and immediately caught him. While Sheikh tried to fight the policemen his accomplice fled,” said senior police inspector, Worli police station, Bharat Worlikar.

The police, recovered five mangalsutras from Sheikh and booked him for robbery and assault on a public servant preventing him from discharging his duty. Sheikh had been arrested by the Mira Road police three years back. Sheikh said he has worked as a tailor and as an estate agent.