Nagpur: In a significant success for the Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad of the Nagpur Crime Branch, a major breakthrough occurred with the apprehension of Lalit Gajendra Bhoge (24), a resident of Vikas Nagar, Kondhali, notorious for the theft of 111 two-wheelers over the last two years. Bhoge, who is jobless and married, had been operating in and around the weekly market in Wadi, targeting a high volume of vehicles, particularly on Sundays.
The arrest followed the recent theft of a two-wheeler near Hotel Rahul in Wadi, prompting the Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad to intensify efforts. Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Singal expressed concern over the rising number of vehicle thefts, with approximately 10 cases reported daily across the city.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Dr Singal praised the squad’s efforts, noting the unprecedented scale of the operation. “This is the first time in the history of the city police force that such a large number of crimes have been uncovered, and a large number of stolen vehicles have been seized in one go,” Dr Singal remarked.
Bhoge’s modus operandi involved strategically targeting the weekly market in Wadi and the parking lot under Dhantoli bridge. He would break handle locks during market days to steal the vehicles. The investigation, led by officers Kapil Tandekar and Rahul Kusrame, included the identification of hotspots and the meticulous analysis of CCTV footage to track Bhoge’s movements after each theft.
The breakthrough came when the police received a tip-off leading to Bhoge’s arrest and the recovery of 111 stolen two-wheelers. During interrogation, Bhoge confessed that financial difficulties following his marriage three years ago drove him to a life of crime. He sold the stolen vehicles in various cities across Vidarbha for meagre amounts ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
The successful operation showcases the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement and vigilant citizens in curbing criminal activities. The Nagpur Crime Branch remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the city’s residents, and further investigations are underway to dismantle any potential accomplices or networks associated with Bhoge’s criminal activities.
The arrest was made by PSI Anil Ingole, Vilas Kokate, Ajay Shukla, Pankaj Hedau, Kapil Tandekar, Rahul Kusrame, Abhay Dhone, and PSI Balram Zadokar.
