In a significant police operation, Chakan authorities apprehended 23-year-old Abhay Suresh Kharde, a student from Sangamner in Ahmednagar district, for stealing motorbikes and illegally selling them. Alongside Kharde, four accomplices were also arrested: Ravindra Nivrutti Gavhane (23), Shubham Balasaheb Kale (24), Yash Nandkishor Thutte (22), and Prem Bhaidas Deore (20).
According to police reports, Kharde developed an addiction to online gaming. After losing money in various games, he turned to YouTube for guidance and learned how to steal Royal Enfield motorcycles. Over the past five months, he and his accomplices are believed to have stolen 18 bikes from parking areas of different apartments in Chakan.
Following multiple complaints of bike theft, the Chakan police initiated an investigation, reviewing nearly 150 CCTV footages across the city. This effort eventually led them to Sangamner, where Kharde was arrested.
During interrogation, Kharde admitted to stealing a total of 18 motorcycles. He detailed his method of breaking bike locks and then selling the stolen vehicles through online platforms, often targeting customers outside the city. Unfortunately, after selling the bikes, he lost all the money in online gaming once again.
The operation was led by Senior Police Inspector Pramod Wagh and his team, with oversight from Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey and other senior officials.