Nagpur police have successfully cracked a series of high-profile burglaries across the city, leading to the arrest of a gang of young thieves. The group, which targeted multiple residences, notably included the home of renowned economist and Padma Shri awardee, Professor Sukhadeo Thorat, in Dabha.
The Lavish Motive Behind the Crimes
The prime accused, identified as 19-year-old Sahil Lanjewar, along with his accomplices, confessed to a startling motive. Police investigations revealed that the stolen cash and jewellery were not for survival but to fund a life of extravagance. The proceeds were allegedly splurged on girlfriends, lavish parties, and sustaining various addictions.
The breakthrough came on Thursday, following a meticulous probe led by a team of senior officers. The investigation was overseen by DCP (Crime) Rahul Maknikar, ACP Abhijit Patil, and additional CP Vasant Pardeshi. The arrest was made by assistant PI Gajanan Chambhare under the guidance of senior inspector Shubhangi Deshmukh.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The case first came to light after a burglary on December 11 at the home of Ritesh Shukla in Netaji Housing Society, Gorewada, Mankapur. While the family was away in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, thieves broke in and made off with valuables. The stolen items included Rs 65,000 in cash, gold and silver ornaments, car keys, and other belongings, totalling Rs 5.74 lakh. A formal complaint was lodged at the Mankapur police station.
Following technical leads and traditional investigation, the police zeroed in on Sahil Lanjewar. He was apprehended from Dakhani Mohalla under Wadi police limits. During interrogation, Lanjewar named his accomplices: Rishikesh alias Rishi Ganesh Mankar (21), Abhijit Nitnaware (22), Rishi Nagdeve (22), Sagar, Piyush, and Sangharsh. While Lanjewar and Mankar are now in police custody, a manhunt is underway for the remaining accused.
Recovery of Stolen Goods and Confessions
The police have recovered a significant portion of the stolen valuables. The seized items include gold bars, various ornaments, silver items, two mobile phones, a scooter without a number plate, and Rs 5,050 in cash, with the total recovery valued at Rs 4.19 lakh.
Notably, among the recovered items were gold worth nearly Rs 3 lakh and two silver glasses stolen from Prof Sukhadeo Thorat's residence. The gang's involvement in this particular theft was confirmed through CCTV footage obtained from the area.
Sahil Lanjewar admitted that the gang was responsible for nine burglaries in total across Nagpur. Their crime spree included two thefts in Gittikhadan, one in Wathoda, one in Beltarodi, and four in rural Parsheoni. The arrested individuals have been handed over to the Mankapur police for further legal proceedings as the search for the fugitives continues.
