Thane Police Heighten Surveillance In Irani Locality After Thief Shot Dead In Chennai

Mumbai: Police have increased vigilance at the Irani locality in Thane following the killing of a robber from an Irani gang based in Thane in an encounter with police in Chennai, an official said on Thursday. Jaffer Gulam Hussein Irani, belonging to the notorious gang of robbers based at the Irani Basti in Ambivali area of Kalyan, was shot dead by the police after he allegedly opened fire on them in Chennai on Wednesday, officials said earlier.

The Irani Basti, located near the Ambivali station, has been infamous as the base of several chain-snatchers and motorbike thieves belonging to the Irani gang. The police from Thane, neighbouring Mumbai and other adjoining areas were several times in the past attacked by residents of the locality when the security personnel went there to apprehend criminals.

The residents, mostly women, have been at the forefront of opposing the police action and damaged police vehicles in the past, as per officials. Several police personnel had also been injured in such attacks and forced to make a hasty retreat. Since the killing of Jaffer in Chennai on Wednesday, an eerie silence prevailed in the locality.

Security has been stepped up in the locality to avoid any law and order issue and the situation is presently under control, an official from Khadakpada police station said. Jaffer’s family has been informed about the incident, the police said. ADGP-Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun told reporters that Jaffer had hidden a pistol inside a motorcycle he used for chain snatching incidents.

“He tried to escape by attacking the police; the pistol was hidden inside the bike,” he said. The motorcycle was abandoned before Jaffer and two others tried to fly out of Chennai after committing the crimes. Accoridng to police, Jaffer opened fire on cops and police had no other choice to shot him and he was injured but succumbed later.