In a swift police operation, two minors were apprehended in Pune for allegedly robbing a retired professor of gold jewellery valued at Rs 42,000. The incident, which involved threats with a sharp weapon, occurred in the Sadashiv Peth area and was solved within days through meticulous CCTV analysis.
The Morning Robbery in Sadashiv Peth
The crime took place around 9:45 am on Saturday when the 61-year-old retired professor was walking towards the city's Omkareshwar temple. He was on his way to attend the 10th-day ritual for a deceased relative. According to Inspector Arun Ghodke of Vishrambaug police station, two accused on a scooter stopped near the victim.
One of them threatened the professor by showing a sharp weapon, described as a billhook, kept at his waist. The duo then demanded the professor hand over his gold finger ring and chain. Fearing assault, the victim complied without resistance and handed over the jewellery, which was worth Rs 42,000.
Swift Police Action and Investigation
The retired professor, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, approached the Vishrambaug police immediately after the incident with his complaint. A team led by Inspector Arun Ghodke, Sub-Inspector Rajesh Usgaonkar, and Constable Arjun Thorat sprang into action.
The investigators analysed footage from more than 200 CCTV cameras in the vicinity to track the suspects' movements. Acting on the digital clues, the police team zeroed in on the Bhawani Peth area. By Monday, they had successfully located and detained the two accused, both aged 16 and residents of Bhawani Peth.
In the operation, the police recovered the stolen gold jewellery, the billhook used in the crime, and the scooter used by the minors.
Background of the Accused and Police Remarks
Inspector Ghodke provided further context on the detained individuals. Both boys are school dropouts. Their parents work as casual labourers and maidservants. The police official emphasised the potential danger of the situation, stating that if the professor had resisted, the accused might have physically assaulted him.
The case highlights concerns about juvenile crime in urban areas. The Vishrambaug police's use of extensive CCTV footage proved crucial in cracking the case rapidly, demonstrating the importance of surveillance infrastructure in modern policing. The two minors now face legal proceedings for armed robbery and criminal intimidation.
