In a significant law enforcement success, Washim police apprehended an interstate gang responsible for stealing medicines worth Rs2.43 crore from a moving container on Samruddhi Highway near Karanja, Washim district. Authorities recovered goods valued at Rs38.20 lakh from the accused.
Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime: Arvind Chavan, Kunal Chavan, Antim Sisodia, Rajendra Chavan, Bharat Budavat, and others.
The incident occurred on July 23 when thieves cut the lock of container MH04JK7054, carrying 46 boxes of medicines from Bhiwandi to Kolkata via Nagpur. Following the company’s complaint, Karanja Rural police registered a case.
Superintendent of Police Anuj Tare led a joint operation involving the local crime branch, cyber cell, and Karanja Rural police. About 85,000 vehicles were inspected before a suspicious truck was identified. The accused were intercepted near Karanja, Washim, en route to Goa for another planned robbery.
Interrogations revealed mastermind Rajendra Chauhan and accomplice Bharat Ghudavad were operating from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh. Police recovered an electronic cutter, a truck, a Scorpio vehicle, and medicines worth Rs38.20 lakh. The gang admitted involvement in similar robberies across Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Gujarat, with 11 cases registered so far, including earlier charges under Pune’s Mokka Act.
The accused remain in custody until September 12. Investigators believe the arrest could uncover further major crimes related to medicine and vaccine theft.
Confirming the arrests, SP Anuj Tare said, “The gang is highly professional and involved in at least 11 similar crimes. Our investigation has now expanded to Madhya Pradesh.”
