Two individuals from Indore have been apprehended after using stolen funds to finance a trip to the Maha Kumbh Mela. Ajay Shukla and Santosh Kori, both with extensive criminal histories, were arrested after police tracked them to their homes in Indore upon returning from Prayagraj. The duo had used stolen money to travel with their girlfriends and indulge in a lavish lifestyle.
According to the police, a spate of robberies was reported in Indore’s Dwarkapuri area, with at least four houses targeted within the last 15 days. The police immediately launched an investigation, which led them to uncover fingerprints matching those of Shukla and Kori. After tracking their mobile phones, authorities found that the men had traveled to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, making it difficult to apprehend them due to the large crowds and changing locations.
The police team from Indore eventually apprehended the suspects upon their return to the city. During questioning, Shukla and Kori admitted to committing the thefts, explaining that the money was needed to fund their lavish lives. They used the stolen funds, which amounted to over Rs 7 lakh, on things like gold jewellery, gifts, and the trip to the religious gathering.
In a breakthrough, the police recovered stolen items valued at Rs 4 lakh, including cash and gold, from the men’s possession. Both Shukla and Kori have been linked to 15 theft cases in the city, and further investigation is underway to gather more evidence.
