Kolhapur Police Crack Down on Agricultural Pump Theft Ring
In a significant operation late Thursday night, the Karveer police in Kolhapur district successfully dismantled a criminal gang operating across Sangli and Kolhapur districts. The authorities apprehended four individuals accused of systematically stealing electric pumps from farmers' wells and riverbanks in the Karveer and Panhala tehsils.
Substantial Recovery of Stolen Goods
The police confiscated stolen property valued at approximately Rs 15 lakh during the raid. The seized items include a 21-volt agricultural pump, a car, a two-wheeler, and a cellphone. According to an investigating officer, the arrested suspects have confessed to stealing a total of 21 agricultural motor pumps, with further inquiries potentially revealing additional offences.
Identities of the Accused Revealed
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Sunil Subhash Jadhav (28) from Limb Aalte, Tasgaon, Sangli
- Suraj Balu Lokhande (26) from Rukdi, Hatkanangle
- Suraj Sampat Gujle (29) from Renavi, Khanapur, Sangli district
- Harshad Vikas Patole (25) from Renavi, Khanapur, Sangli district
Notably, one of the accused, Sunil Jadhav, has a prior sexual assault case registered against him.
Operation Triggered by Specific Tip-Off
The police action was initiated based on precise intelligence received by Inspector Kishore Shinde. The information indicated that the gang was en route to sell stolen pumps on the Vadange-Vadange Phata Road. Assistant Inspector Babasaheb Sarvade and his team promptly set up a trap, intercepting a white car. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three stolen pumps.
Modus Operandi of the Gang
During interrogation, the suspects disclosed their operational methods. They would conduct daytime reconnaissance of fields along the Kumbhi and Kasari riverbanks. Around midnight, they would cut cables and steal the pumps, initially transporting them on two-wheelers to main roads before using a car for further movement. Over the past three months, this method facilitated the theft of 21 agricultural pumps.
Additional Recovery from Storage Godown
Further investigation led police to a godown in Kirloskarwadi, Palus, Sangli, where they recovered an additional 18 stolen pumps. The gang members, all daily wage workers, reportedly sold pumps worth Rs 40,000-50,000 for a mere Rs 5,000-6,000. Some pumps were even scrapped due to their weight, highlighting the economic impact on farmers.
The successful bust underscores the police's commitment to protecting agricultural assets and combating rural crime in the region.
