Crime Branch has arrested five of a gang of six, including one woman, who have been committing thefts in the city for the last six months
5 gang member
Five out of six gang members, who have committed several house break-ins in Wanawadi, Kondhwa and Nigdi areas in the last six months, have been nabbed by the Pune Crime Branch. The accused had met in jail, and had decided to form a team to commit burglaries. Following the arrest, police have recovered a car, gold ornaments and R22.14 lakh in cash from them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nabbed: The accused had met in jail and decided to commit theft as a team, once released. Pic/Mohan Patil
The five accused have been identified as Sarfraj Ismail Saifee alias Shaikh (29) from Nigdi, Ajay Daniel Gil (23) from Kondhwa, Rita alias Magdalin Denzil Dsouza (48) from Undri, Pandurang Vitthal Jagtap (34) from Nigdi and Samson alias Bobby Anthony Brooks (24) from Akurdi.
The sixth member of the gang, Harpreet alias Sardar Tejasingh Nijjar (27) is currently absconding. Cops have also detained Vinod Bhairumal Jain (65), a jeweller, for purchasing the stolen valuables from the gang. The accused have been remanded in police custody till July 8. “The suspects have committed several break-ins in Wanawadi, Kondhwa and Nigdi. So far, they have confessed to their involvement in 23 cases,” said Rajendra Bhamare, ACP (Crime). The absconding suspect Harpreet has been in a relationship with Rita for the last 15 years, said cops.
Rita would take the stolen jewellery and sell it to the jeweller. Police Inspector from Crime Branch, Sunil Yadav, said, “Harpreet has been active in Pune for the last 10 years. Other suspects are also history-sheeters and they met in jail. Once released, they decided to commit theft as a team.”