Dharwad: The Vidyagiri police have arrested interstate thieves primarily chain snatchers who are allegedly involved in 21 chain snatching cases in twin cities.

Police who have arrested two persons are on the lookout for three other members of the same gang, which operated in Hubballi-Dharwad and other places.

The arrested have been identified as Mohammed Ali Sayyed (19) of Bidar and Babaraj Ayub Irani (22) of Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Police Commissioner Pandurang  Rane said the members of this inter-state gang used to steal  two-wheelers from other states and used them for chain snatching and other crimes in twin cities. They used to target lonely and busy women especially in the morning or in the evening, Commissioner said.

Following many incidents of chain snatching in twin cities, a special police team was formed including Vidyagiri PI and staff and when they were on duty near KMF the first accused Mohammed Ali who was riding a two wheeler was arrested on Nov 22 and later on Nov 28 Babaraj was arrested from near Dharwad Railway station, he said.

The team is said to have been involved in around 21 cases of chain snatching in twin cities. Now the Police have recovered a total of 14 gold chains (mangalsutras), two mobile handsets, one KTM Duke bike and a button knife from them-the total value of recovered valuables is Rs. 12.65 Lakh, commissioner said.

Police have also arrested two other persons Ashiya Irani and Raju Palankar of Dharwad who used to purchase stolen items from the gang.

DCP Mallikarjun Baladandi, ACP Vasudevram N Vidyagiri, PI Mahantesh Hosapeti and other staff members were present.

In another case Hubballi Sub-urban police have arrested three persons and recovered 85 mobiles, three laptops, two tabs and a two-wheeler worth Rs 9.18 Lakh, added Commissioner.