Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Crime Branch Arrests Five in Hanuman Temple Theft Case
In a swift operation, the city crime branch of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has arrested five individuals for allegedly stealing cash from donation boxes and precious ornaments from an idol at a Hanuman temple. The incident occurred near Karnapura ground, within the jurisdiction of the Chhawani police station.
Details of the Temple Theft
According to police reports, the theft took place in the early hours of January 24. The complainant, Sanjay Hanumantrao Barwal from Padampura, approached the Chhawani police station after discovering that unidentified thieves had broken into the temple. The perpetrators removed several valuable ornaments from the Hanuman idol, including:
- A gold tilak plate from the forehead
- Silver eyebrows
- Silver anklets from both feet
- Silver eyes
- A silver trident affixed to the forehead
In addition to the idol ornaments, the accused also stole cash from two donation boxes and money kept in a cupboard. The total estimated value of the stolen property was approximately Rs 2.8 lakh.
Swift Police Action and Recovery
Following the registration of the case at Chhawani police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ratnakar Navale directed parallel investigations by multiple crime branch teams. Utilizing technical analysis, CCTV footage examination, and confidential intelligence inputs, teams led by Inspector (Crime) Gajanan Kalyankar identified and detained all five suspects within hours of the offence.
The police successfully recovered stolen property and vehicles worth Rs 2 lakh within just 15 hours of the theft being reported. This rapid response demonstrated the efficiency of the crime branch's investigative methods.
Identities of the Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Amjad Khan Salim Khan (28), resident of Jalal Colony
- Sheikh Shoaib Sheikh Baba (30), resident of Alhilal Colony
- Sheikh Sameer Sheikh Salim (23), resident of Katkat Gate
- Sheikh Aamer Sheikh Nabbu (29), resident of Rozabag
- Imran Khan alias Imma Yunus Khan (22), resident of Katkat Gate
All five accused are residents of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Official Statements and Further Investigation
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar emphasized that the successful detection of this case sends a strong message that crimes affecting public sentiments will be dealt with firmly. "The crime branch acted with speed and precision to ensure the accused were traced and the stolen property recovered," Pawar stated.
Inspector Kalyankar revealed that further investigation is underway to determine whether the gang was involved in similar offences at other locations. All accused have been handed over to the Chhawani police for appropriate legal proceedings.
This incident highlights the vigilance of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's law enforcement agencies in protecting religious institutions and responding promptly to crimes that impact community sentiments.
