The Pune rural police have arrested Piyush Biram Nanawat, a 19-year-old resident of Lonavla, for compelling minor boys aged between 14 and 17 to commit thefts across various parts of Pune district. With this arrest, law enforcement has successfully solved four cases of robberies, chain-snatching, and thefts.
Details of the Arrest
Sandeep Gill, Superintendent of Police for Pune rural, informed the Times of India that the accused has been involved in thefts in Daund, Walhe, Khed, Wadgaon Maval, and several other areas, using minor boys as his instruments. Beyond these four cases, Nanawat has allegedly committed thefts, robberies, and chain-snatchings within the jurisdiction of six police stations in the rural parts of Pune district.
"So far, we have identified two minors whom Nanawat used for such crimes," Gill stated. He added, "He could have misled and forced more minors over the last couple of years. With his arrest, we have saved many minors from entering the world of crime."
Modus Operandi
Inspector Pramod Kshirsagar of Pune rural police explained that Nanawat is a school dropout with six prior cases against him. He would select minor boys, aged between 14 and 17, from Lonavla and nearby areas, seeking their assistance for tasks. He would initially mislead them and then coerce them into committing thefts.
"He knew that if minors committed a crime, they would face little consequence, and his own name would remain hidden in the criminal activities," Kshirsagar said.
