Nagpur: In a sensational breakthrough, Ajni Police have apprehended a four-member burglary gang, including a juvenile, that used stolen money to go on a joyride with their girlfriends to Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh. The gang is linked to at least nine cases of house break-ins and vehicle theft across Nagpur district.
The arrested have been identified as Ashutosh alias Lucky alias Nakkatya Shankar Raware (21) of Amar Nagar, MIDC; Siddhant alias Babya Virendra Goswami (19) of MIDC Hingna; Rishikesh alias Rishi Ganesh Mankar (20) of Kandri, Kanhan; and one juvenile.
The investigation began after Jayashree Milind Pande, a resident of Bachhu Singh Layout near Ayyappa Temple, reported a burglary at her residence while she was visiting her daughter in Pune. Her brother-in-law, Manish Pande, discovered the theft on April 19, finding the house lock broken and valuables missing — including gold ornaments, a car (MH-49-BK-4878), and a Honda Activa scooter (MH-49-BX-5255).
CCTV footage from the locality helped police identify Ashutosh Raware. Using electronic surveillance, the team traced the gang to Dongargarh, where they were vacationing with female friends. A police team swiftly reached the location and detained all suspects.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to nine thefts, including:
• Three in Beltarodi,
• Two in Ramtek,
• One each in Ajni, Ranapratap Nagar, Sonegaon, and Dhantoli.
Police recovered stolen property worth ₹8.10 lakh, including one car and four two-wheelers. The accused admitted they used the proceeds of their crimes for partying, joyrides, and leisure trips with girlfriends.
The successful operation was led by Senior PI Nitinchandra Rajkumar, along with Laxman Kendre, Siddhant Maske, Manoj Neware, Prakash Gadekar, Atul Tikle, Rahul Shende, and Avinash Changole.
Authorities are continuing investigations to uncover any further links and recover additional stolen items.
