Nagpur: Wadi Police have arrested one suspect and launched a search for two alleged accomplices in connection with a suspected gang linked to attempted burglary, house break-ins and vehicle thefts in the Wadi area. The breakthrough came after investigators analysed CCTV footage from around 40 locations across Nagpur and coordinated with the Yashodhara Nagar Police investigation team.
The arrested accused has been identified as Nilesh Bawane. His alleged associates, Vicky Deharia, a resident of Panchpaoli, and Rahim Sheikh, a resident of Yashodhara Nagar, are still absconding.
According to police, the investigation gained momentum following an attempted break-in at the Bank of India branch at Eighth Mile in the early hours of October 2.
Three masked men caught on bank CCTV
The incident came to light when a shopkeeper near the bank informed its manager, Nikhil Potdar, that the entrance gate appeared to have been left open. When Potdar reached the premises, he found the lock on the bank’s channel gate broken.
A review of the bank’s CCTV footage reportedly showed three men with their faces covered with cloth attempting to break the lock. The suspects allegedly failed to complete the theft, following which a case was registered at Wadi Police Station.
The attempted break-in came amid concerns among residents of Indrayani Nagar, Smruti Nagar, Trilok Nagar, Dhammakirti Nagar, Dattawadi and Eighth Mile over suspicious late-night activities and reports of thefts in the surrounding localities. Residents had urged the police to take action against those responsible.
CCTV trail leads police to suspect
Taking the incident seriously, Wadi Police intensified patrolling and began a technical investigation to identify the suspects. Investigators examined CCTV footage collected from approximately 40 locations across Nagpur to track the movements of the alleged offenders and establish possible links between incidents.
Confidential information and assistance from the Yashodhara Nagar Police investigation team reportedly helped investigators identify three suspects. Bawane was subsequently arrested.
During questioning, Bawane allegedly admitted to committing offences in the Wadi area with Deharia and Sheikh, police said. The two alleged accomplices are being sought for questioning and further investigation.
Probe into wider crime pattern underway
Police suspect the group may have been involved in a series of night-time offences, including house burglaries and vehicle thefts. Investigators are examining the accused’s alleged role in these incidents and attempting to establish whether the bank break-in attempt was connected to other crimes reported in the area.
The search for the two absconding suspects is continuing. Their arrest is expected to help investigators verify the accused’s alleged confessions, establish the full extent of the suspected crime spree and determine whether the group was involved in additional offences.
Police have stepped up surveillance and patrolling in the affected localities as the investigation continues.
