Cops raid ‘chain thieves’ den, stoned by 20 of their relatives

KALYAN: Three policemen were injured after a group of 20-25 unidentified people related to alleged chain-snatchers threw stones at policemen who had arrived to nab three persons accused of chain-snatching near Kalyan early on Thursday. This is yet another attack on cops during a raid at the infamous Irani basti at Ambivli which is notorious for attacking cops.
The incident took place when the Andheri police, with officials from the local Khadakpada police station, had laid a trap to nab the three alleged chain-snatchers when the group of people attacked them, facilitating the escape of two of the accused. The police nabbed the third accused, Talif Irani (35).
The Irani basti locality is a tainted hideout for alleged chain-snatchers who rob people from across the country, the police said. It has witnessed several such attacks on raiding police personnel from Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai .
Police sources learnt on Wednesday that the three accused wanted in cases of chain-snatching across Mumbai live here and a team from Andheri police station tried to nab the three when at least 20 people attacked the cops. Senior inspector Sarjerao Patil said three cops were injured. He said ‘attempt to murder’ charge will be slapped in the case.