Ahmedabad: Sarkhej police, responsible for security at renowned singer Honey Singh’s concert at Shavana Lawns party plot on Sardar Patel Ring Road in Shela, are now investigating the theft of over 22 mobile phones from the venue.

Before major events, the police usually implement security measures, anticipating the presence of mobile thieves preying on attendees. Despite a comparatively smaller crowd of around 10,000, reports suggest that thieves managed to steal nearly 50 high-end mobile phones.

Several attendees have alleged that over 50 mobile phones were stolen. In a viral video, one concertgoer claimed, “When the venue had a capacity of 5,000, but 10,000 people attended, what else could happen?” Another man stated, “We only have one demand for the organizers—buy us our mobile phones. We have an issue with the concert organizers, and we will go to the party plot to hold a sit-in protest demanding the return of our phones.”

Meanwhile, Sarkhej police have officially confirmed 23 stolen phones, stating that 25 cases have come to their notice, with 23 formal complaints submitted. The police also refuted claims that all stolen devices were high-end, clarifying that only some were premium models. Authorities suspect either mismanagement by the organizers or the involvement of a mobile theft gang.

DCP Zone-7 Shivam Verma confirmed that details of the stolen devices have been registered on the national portal, enabling tracking once a new SIM card is inserted.

As per their modus operandi, mobile theft gangs strategically target crowded events, blending in as spectators before swiftly stealing phones and exiting unnoticed. Recovering these devices is challenging, as many are smuggled to countries like Nepal or Bangladesh for resale. DeshGujarat