Nagpur: Taking advantage of the heavy rush during the Baba Tajuddin Shahi Sandal, unidentified thieves allegedly stole two mobile phones worth a total of ₹35,000 in the Ganeshpeth area of Nagpur on Sunday.

Based on complaints, Ganeshpeth Police have registered Crime No. 263/2026 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (theft). The investigation is underway to identify the accused.

According to police, the incident occurred between Maharaj Statue and Ashok Chowk under the jurisdiction of Ganeshpeth Police Station at around 6.30 pm on July 12.

The first complainant, Washim Khan Mohammad Nasim Khan (19), a resident of Minimata Nagar, Kalamna Road, had gone to witness the Baba Tajuddin Shahi Sandal, which commenced from Bada Tajbagh. During the event, an unidentified thief allegedly took advantage of the crowd and stole his Xiaomi mobile phone worth ₹20,000.

In a similar incident at the same location, Snehal Ashok Rangari (37), a resident of Jai Bhim Nagar, Rameshwari Road, also lost a OnePlus 9 Pro smartphone worth ₹15,000 after an unidentified person allegedly stole it amid the packed Shahi Sandal.

The total value of the stolen property is estimated at ₹35,000.

Police suspect the thieves exploited the dense crowd gathered for the Baba Tajuddin Shahi Sandal to target unsuspecting devotees. CCTV footage from the route and nearby areas is being examined, while efforts are underway to trace the accused and recover the stolen mobile phones.