In a significant crackdown on vehicle theft, the city crime branch of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) has arrested two individuals and recovered fourteen stolen motorcycles with a total estimated value of around ₹12 lakh.
Arrests Made in Coordinated Raid
The police identified the primary accused as 27-year-old Krishna Murudkar, a resident of Walsawangi in Bhokardan taluka. According to authorities, Murudkar, described as a liquor addict, allegedly stole motorcycles to fund his addiction. He was arrested alongside his accomplice, 19-year-old Arun Kandelkar from Godankhed village in Jamner taluka of Jalgaon district.
The breakthrough came after the crime branch, acting on fresh intelligence, deployed confidential informants to track suspects involved in a series of motorcycle thefts reported from various police station limits. A dedicated team was formed and sent outside the district based on a specific tip-off about Murudkar's involvement.
Confession and Recovery of Stolen Vehicles
On December 23, a police team led by Assistant Inspector Ravikant Gachche conducted a raid in Godankhed village and detained both accused. During interrogation, they confessed to stealing motorcycles primarily from areas under the Cidco and Harsul police station limits.
The police revealed that Murudkar was first arrested in a motorcycle theft case just last month, leading to the recovery of four stolen bikes. His subsequent re-arrest with Kandelkar on December 23 resulted in the recovery of an additional ten motorcycles, bringing the total to fourteen.
Of the fourteen seized vehicles, ten were stolen from Cidco police station limits, two from Harsul police station limits, and the remaining two were taken from other districts.
Police Crackdown on Repeat Offenders
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar stated that the city police have intensified action against property offences, with a special focus on vehicle thefts. "We have instructed all units, including the crime branch, to focus on repeat offenders involved in motorcycle thefts. This action has helped crack multiple cases and recover a significant number of stolen vehicles," Pawar said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ratnakar Navale and Crime Branch Inspector Gajanan Kalyankar highlighted the role of sustained intelligence gathering in cracking the case. The accused reportedly sold or hid the stolen bikes at various locations, which were later traced by the police.
All recovered motorcycles have been seized, and both accused have been handed over to the Harsul police station for further investigation. A case has been registered under section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities are continuing their probe to determine if the duo was involved in additional thefts in neighbouring districts.
