In a significant crackdown, the Kalamboli police in Navi Mumbai have successfully apprehended two individuals involved in a series of daring diesel thefts from heavy motor vehicles. The accused were targeting trucks parked along the busy Mumbai-Pune highway, using threats and intimidation to carry out their crimes.
Modus Operandi of the Highway Thieves
The arrested duo, identified as Aakash Chavan (29) and Jitu Chawla (36), both residents of Navi Mumbai, employed a calculated strategy. They reportedly hired vehicles through popular online mobile applications to approach their targets. To avoid detection and escape being nabbed, they fitted these cars with fake registration number plates.
Their hunting ground was the Mumbai-Pune highway, where they would look for trucks and other heavy vehicles parked by the roadside. Taking advantage of the drivers' absence or vulnerability, they would threaten them at knife point and siphon off diesel from the vehicles' tanks.
Police Seize Stolen Fuel and Evidence
Following their arrest, the Kalamboli police conducted searches and recovered crucial evidence linking them to the thefts. The seized items include:
- 175 litres of stolen diesel.
- The car used in the crimes, which was fitted with a fake number plate.
- The knife used to threaten the victims.
This haul underscores the organized nature of their operations and the potential scale of theft they were involved in before being caught.
Cracking Down on Highway Crime
The arrest sends a strong message to criminals operating on national highways, where parked commercial vehicles are often seen as easy targets. The Navi Mumbai police's action highlights the ongoing efforts to improve security for logistics and transport operators on crucial routes like the Mumbai-Pune corridor.
Investigations are ongoing to determine if the accused are linked to other similar thefts in the region. The use of online apps and fake plates points to a modern, tech-aware criminal tactic that law enforcement is increasingly working to counter.
