In a brazen display of criminal activity, thieves made off with gold jewelry valued at approximately ₹3 million (approximately $36,000 USD) from mourners attending the funeral of Maharashtra’s late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 29.
The incident occurred despite the presence of approximately 8,000 police personnel deployed to maintain order at the massive gathering. A criminal gang consisting of more than half a dozen chain snatchers systematically targeted grieving attendees, stealing gold chains, various jewelry items, and cash throughout the solemn proceedings.
According to Pune rural police reports, some of the suspected thieves were apprehended by vigilant crowd members who subsequently administered physical retribution before turning them over to authorities. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the detention of approximately six suspects in connection with the thefts.
The funeral drew hundreds of thousands of mourners from across Maharashtra who had gathered to pay their final respects to Pawar, who tragically perished alongside his security detail and crew members when his Learjet 45 aircraft crash-landed at Baramati airport during a flight from Mumbai.
Ajit Pawar, nephew of political stalwart Sharad Pawar, had recently been reconciling with his uncle after a period of political separation that saw him form his own party and establish an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The timing of the thefts added further distress to what was already a profoundly tragic occasion for the community and political establishment.