Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have arrested Akash Vajir Rathod, a 24-year-old with a criminal record, and detained two minors involved in a series of thefts across the city. The arrests follow a string of chain snatching and motorcycle thefts reported in various areas, including Ravet, Nigdi, Chikhali, and Alandi.
The police formed a dedicated team after receiving multiple complaints of chain thefts and, using CCTV footage and Rathod’s criminal history, were able to narrow down their search. Acting on a tip-off, the police set up a trap and arrested Rathod along with his two minor associates in the MIDC Bhosari area on Sunday.
During questioning, Rathod confessed to his gang’s involvement in several chain-snatching and motorcycle thefts. The stolen motorcycles were used to carry out the chain-snatching crimes. Authorities seized gold ornaments worth Rs7,74,860 and three stolen motorcycles from their possession.
With Rathod’s arrest, police believe they have solved several motorcycle theft and chain-snatching cases across the city, including incidents reported at Bhosari, Chikhali, Alandi, Ravet, Chakan, Nigdi, and Yavat police stations. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover any further criminal activities linked to the accused.