Cops nab thief who had robbed Chhota Rajan

Munna was nabbed while he was clinching a deal with local fence. He was wanted by the police in Pune and Hyderabad for 36 house break-ins

Munna was nabbed while he was clinching a deal with local fence. He was wanted by the police in Pune and Hyderabad for 36 house break-ins

A 36-year-old interstate thief, who has not only been giving a slip to police across the country, but also gangsters, was finally arrested on Sunday. Munna alias Salem Ali alias Hussain Khan alias Hameed Khureshi alias Bombaby Munna, a resident of Govandi in Mumbai, had stolen valuables worth Rs 9 lakh from Rajan's house in 2001 with his two accomplices.


Most wanted: Munna is wanted with the Pune and Hyderabad police for
his involvement of 36 house break thefts. Pic/Ramesh HS

"While the accomplices were allegedly shot dead by Rajan's gang while they were out on bail, Munna escaped, since he was still in jail," Shankarpuram PI Vali Basha, who arrested Munna. After serving nine years in Yerwada jail, Munna formed his own gang. He had decided to pull one last job, and settle down. But the police arrested him while he was clinching a deal with a local fence about his loot.

The police recovered valuables worth Rs 30 lakh. These include 1.25 kg of gold ornaments, electronic goods and a luxury car. "Munna has two wives, and he would take them in luxury resorts around the country, and buy them expensive gifts. He would drop his wives back at their respective homes, and get back to business," Basha said.

Munna would dress sharply, and drive around in his car to choose his targets in cities such as Pune, Hyderabad and Jaipur. Once he had zeroed upon his target, he would break into their house, and make away with the valuables and cash.

Munna would never stay in one city for long, and slip away after a 'job'. He is most wanted with the Pune and Hyderabad police for his involvement of 36 house break-ins. "We have information that he used to keep the money with his in-laws and would ask them to buy property in their name," Basha said, adding that the police are also investigating this angel.

"A team of officials from the Pune and Hyderabad police is jointly interrogating him about the thefts. So far, Munna has admitted to four theft cases in Pune and two in Hyderabad. We are still questioning him," Basha said. The police are now on the lookout for the fence, who gave them a slip and escaped to Thailand.