A major breakthrough in a spate of thefts was achieved as Gadchiroli Police arrested a 20-year-old man, Akash Nagaya Kottapelli, for allegedly committing 11 thefts in the Sironcha region. The accused, a resident of Kottapelli village in Sironcha Taluka, was taken into custody late on May 9, 2025, during a night patrol operation.
Under the direction of Superintendent of Police Neelotpal and In-Charge SP Yatish Deshmukh, the Sironcha Police launched an investigation into multiple reported thefts. Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Prajwali Kulkarni detained a suspect matching the description of the alleged thief. Upon interrogation, Kottapelli confessed to committing 11 thefts in and around the Sironcha Police Station and Asaralli areas.
The police recovered stolen items worth Rs2.51 lakh, including mobile phones, construction tools, electronic gadgets, household items, and clothing from locations disclosed by the accused. Further inquiries revealed that Akash was already involved in seven previously registered theft cases, confirming his status as a habitual offender.
He was formally arrested in the early hours of May 10 and presented in court, which granted police custody for further interrogation. Authorities believe that additional unsolved thefts in the region may be linked to him.
The operation was led by Officer In-Charge Samadhan Chavan, with strategic guidance from SP Neelotpal, SP Yatish Deshmukh, Additional SP M. Ramesh, Additional SP Aheri Satya Sai Kartik, and SDPO Sironcha Sandesh Naik.
The investigative team also included PSI Maroti Nande, PSI Dnyaneshwar Dhotre, PSI Narendra Wangate, API Prajwali Kulkarni, and other dedicated constables who played a key role in tracking down the accused and recovering stolen property.
