The Local Crime Branch (LCB), Pune Rural, successfully apprehended a gang involved in stealing gold ornaments from an elderly woman in the Narayangaon region. Authorities recovered gold ornaments weighing two tolas, a motorcycle, and Rs. 1.9 lakh in cash during their investigation.
On January 23, 2025, Anandabai Dashrath Khilari, a 65-year-old woman from Ale, Shiroli, Junnar, went to work in the fields near her home. When she returned an hour later, she found her shed disturbed and a bag containing gold ornaments worth Rs. 2.96 lakh missing. She immediately filed a police complaint about the theft.
The crime occurred during daylight, and the suspects targeted the elderly woman while she was away. Following the complaint, the case was swiftly taken up by Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh, who directed the Local Crime Branch to investigate. Under the guidance of Police Inspector Avinash Shilimkar, the team reviewed nearby CCTV footage and collected witness statements.
Investigations led to the identification of the primary suspect, Bhimaji Sahebrao Gadge, a resident of Kalas, Ahilya Nagar. With his accomplices, Babaji Kashinath Yewle and Tushar Bhausaheb Shirole, they committed the theft. The police arrested the trio on January 25, 2025, in Belhe village.
The authorities seized the stolen motorbike, two tolas of gold, and additional items worth Rs. 1.9 lakh. The gold ornaments were later recovered through legal procedures.
Anandabai, the elderly victim, was deeply distressed as the stolen gold included her daughter’s wedding jewelry. She expressed relief after the police resolved the case, bringing an end to her worries.
The successful operation was carried out under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh and supported by the efforts of Additional Superintendent of Police Ramesh Chopde, Sub Divisional Police Officer Ravindra Chaudhar, and others involved in the operation. The accused have been presented before the court and remanded in police custody for further investigation.
