Surat Police Crack Down on Rs 35 Lakh Heist, Arrest Two and Recover Substantial Cash
In a significant breakthrough, the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) of Surat police has apprehended two individuals linked to a high-profile Rs 35 lakh loot case, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The authorities successfully recovered Rs 19.13 lakh in cash during the operation, while a manhunt is underway for two additional suspects who have fled to another state with the remaining Rs 15 lakh.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
According to police reports, the arrested accused have been identified as Ajay Bhogekar alias Motiya (35) and Nilesh Bhogekar alias Lilesh (55), both residents of Chharanagar in Ahmedabad. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Bhavesh Rojia stated that the duo was captured on the Abrama–Velanja Road in Surat as they were attempting to return to Ahmedabad. Following the commission of the crime, they had escaped to Shirdi in Maharashtra before being tracked down.
"We recovered Rs 19.13 lakh in cash and a two-wheeler from their possession," Rojia emphasized, adding that intensive efforts are being made to apprehend the remaining accused who are still at large.
Incident Overview: The Heist Unfolds
The loot incident occurred on the evening of February 19, when Shivratna Puniya and his brother, both Surat-based builders, were traveling to Kosamba after withdrawing Rs 35 lakh from an angadia firm located in the Mahidharpura area. The cash was securely stored in a white cloth bag placed on the rear seat of their Fortuner SUV.
As the vehicle approached the stretch between Ramnagar crossroads and Mora Bhagal crossroads, two unidentified men on a black motorcycle deliberately collided with the SUV and initiated a heated argument with the brothers. Seizing the opportunity, two other accomplices swiftly broke the window glass of the vehicle and made off with the bag containing the cash.
Police Investigation and Background of Accused
Following the incident, a formal case was registered at the Rander police station, prompting the formation of multiple investigative teams comprising personnel from both the DCB and Rander police to trace the perpetrators. The investigation revealed that both arrested individuals are history-sheeters, with a combined total of 13 criminal cases registered against them, underscoring their involvement in prior unlawful activities.
Police authorities have reiterated their commitment to bringing all involved parties to justice and are leveraging all available resources to locate the fugitives who escaped with the remaining funds. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime in urban areas and the diligent efforts of law enforcement to ensure public safety.
