Two suspects allegedly impersonating police officers and targeting elderly women were arrested in Bicholim on January 7, 2026, following a dramatic chase by local police. The duo had reportedly been moving suspiciously near the Assnora junction on a Honda Shine motorcycle when they were first spotted during routine patrolling.
Police officials discreetly monitored their movements and observed the men attempting to mislead elderly women in the locality. When PSI S. Kamat and PC Dayesh Khandeparkar intercepted them, the suspects attempted to flee but were soon chased down and detained.
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During the search, police recovered face masks, stones, glass bangles wrapped in paper, and fake police ID cards. The motorcycle used by the suspects is also believed to be stolen, as its engine and chassis numbers were found tampered with.
At the Bicholim Police Station, the accused identified themselves as:
- Gulam Shiraz, 40, resident of Moraj, Sangli, Maharashtra
- Asadullah Afzal Ali Khan, 35, resident of Bidar, Karnataka
Police said the suspects confessed to a December 20, 2025 theft in Bicholim, in which they allegedly posed as police officers and convinced a local woman, Madhavi Naik, to hand over her gold mangalsutra under the pretext of securing it safely. She later discovered the ornament had been replaced with stones wrapped in paper.
Preliminary inquiry suggests the accused may also be involved in a similar case registered at Colvale Police Station, and authorities are now investigating whether they are linked to other crimes across Goa and beyond.
The duo was formally arrested at 4:48 p.m. on January 7, 2026. Further investigation is being led by PSI S. Kamat, under the supervision of PI Vijay Rane Sardesai, SDPO Bicholim Shridevi B.V., IPS, and SP North Harishchandra V. Madkaikar.
