In a significant operation targeting the rising incidents of copper wire thefts in the Lonikand and Wagholi areas, Pune Police have arrested four suspects and uncovered a series of 12 theft cases. The arrests were made following a thorough investigation by the Lonikand Police Station and the Crime Branch, which revealed a well-organized network involved in stealing copper wire across the region.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Abrar Bilal Ahmed from Uttar Pradesh, Aftab Niamatullah Khan, 32, from Navi Mumbai, Nafeez Hameed Abdul, 23, from Uttar Pradesh (currently residing in Kondhapuri, Shirur, Pune), and Mobin Hameed Abdul from Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh (also residing in Kondhapuri, Shirur, Pune).
The investigation, led by Unit 6 of the Crime Branch, traced the gang’s involvement in several thefts, with over 1,000 kg of copper wire worth Rs 10,42,260 recovered from the accused. The stolen copper wire, ranging from 70 to 100 kg each, was seized by the police, marking a major success in the crackdown. The accused now face charges under the Indian Electricity Act, Sections 136 and 427, for theft and related offenses.
The arrests have exposed a larger syndicate involved in these thefts, prompting continued efforts by Pune Police to dismantle the network. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their properties against such crimes.
The operation, which was carried out under the leadership of Shailesh Balakwade, Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pune City, and Nikhil Pingle, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pune City, has been widely praised. It was further guided by Rajendra Mulik, Commissioner of Police (Crime), and supported by the dedicated efforts of In-charge Police Inspector Wahid Pathan of Unit 06, along with Police Inspector Madan Kamble, Police Sub-Inspector Ramkrishna Dalvi, and several other key officers and personnel from the Pune Police.