Swargate police recently uncovered a notorious gang involved in numerous thefts and robberies across Pune city and rural areas. The gang’s prime accused, Ganesh Maruti Kathewade (37), a native of Mukhed in Nanded district, is linked to over 55 robbery cases.
Alongside Kathewade, another key suspect, Suresh Baban Pawar (35), a former deputy sarpanch of Amberwet village, was previously charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for his involvement in the Balu Marne murder case. Police also arrested Bhimsingh alias Ajay Karnansingh Rajput, a jeweller who acted as a mediator, helping the gang dispose of stolen goods by selling them to other jewellers.
The investigation began after a break-in in Salisbury Park on December 19, during which 29 tolas of gold ornaments and 3.5 kg of silver were stolen. Police worked tirelessly, scanning footage from over 1,700 CCTV cameras to track the suspects. On January 1, acting on a tip-off, officers located Kathewade in a posh residential area in Undri, where he was detained and later confessed to the crime.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 2, Smartana Patil, stated, “Kathewade, who once worked as a food delivery boy, used his uniform to scout societies for potential targets. He confessed to committing 14 house break-ins, including seven near the Swargate ST stand. The stolen jewellery was handed over to Suresh Pawar, who sold it through various jewellers, with Bhimsingh Rajput facilitating the transactions.”
The investigation further revealed Kathewade’s evasive tactics, including travelling long distances through narrow lanes to avoid CCTV, using disguises like wigs, jackets, and hats, and pretending to talk on his phone to mislead the police during their investigations.