Mumbai: Two arrested for mobile theft during namaz

MUMBAI: Police in Kandivali arrested two men on Wednesday night for their alleged involvement in theft of mobile phones from devotees offering namaz at the Madina Masjid.

According to the police, the two identified as Israr Khan, 40, and Guddu Ansari, 25, usually target the zohr and magreeb namaz since devotees throng masjids in large numbers during these hours.

“The duo would steal phones while people offered namaz since most devotees keep their mobile phones aside at the time. The two would swiftly reach the tiny space near the victims’ feet to steal their mobile phones and wallets,” said an officer at the Kandivali police station, reported Mid-Day.

“People offering namaz cannot pause during the act. Hence it would be difficult for them to identify the duo despite noticing that their phones had disappeared,” added the officer.

The duo, residents of Dharavi, were on on January 5 arrested from their respective homes following a complaint by a victim and have been remanded to police custody.

Further probe is underway, the police said.