Two men from Malegaon, Nashik, were arrested by Pune’s Faraskhana police for stealing mobile phones during the Ganesh visarjan procession, amid large crowds gathered for the immersion celebrations in central Pune.
The thefts occurred at busy spots including Belbaug Chowk, Laxmi Road, and Budhwar Peth early on Saturday. Several devotees reported missing phones, prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team led by Senior Police Inspector Prashant Bhasme detained the suspects near Pasodya Vitthal Mandir. The accused were identified as Aleem Mustaq Sheikh (26) and Attar Ahmed Ejaz Ahmed (25), both from Malegaon.
Police recovered 13 high-end mobile phones from their possession, valued at approximately Rs1.78 lakh, belonging to different brands and stolen from unsuspecting devotees in the crowded immersion areas.
The operation was led by Assistant Police Inspector Mehboob Mokashi, supported by officers Tanaji Nangre, Nitin Telange, Gajanan Sonune, Mahesh Pawar, and Chetan Holkar. Senior officials, including Additional Commissioner Rajesh Bansode and Deputy Commissioner Krishikesh Rawle, commended the swift and effective action by the team.
