Pune Police Arrest 11, Seize 63 Stolen Phones During Ganesh Visarjan

Pune: Shivajinagar Police arrested 11 men during the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations on September 26 after receiving information that a group was allegedly preparing to commit a robbery near the Khude Bridge riverbed. Police recovered 63 mobile phones, a Chevrolet Cruze car and weapons, with the total seized property valued at ₹30.57 lakh.

According to a press release issued by Shivajinagar Police, the operation took place amid heavy crowds on Jangli Maharaj Road, Fergusson College Road, Laxmi Road and other central Pune streets during the immersion processions.

Police Sub-Inspector Arvind Shinde received a tip-off that several men carrying weapons had gathered near Khude Bridge. Acting on the information, a team led by Police Inspector Amar Kalange and PSI Shinde launched an operation under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Girishkumar Dighavkar.

At approximately 6:50 am, police detained 11 suspects. During the operation, officers recovered 63 mobile phones of various brands, a Chevrolet Cruze bearing registration number MH 43 AB 9990, knives, cutters and red chilli powder. The combined value of the seized property was estimated at ₹30,57,050.

Police suspect that the group had taken advantage of the Ganesh Visarjan crowds to steal mobile phones and was preparing to commit a robbery. According to the police, several of the arrested men have previously been booked in serious offences involving bodily harm and property in Nashik city and rural areas.

Of the 11 arrested suspects, 10 are residents of Malegaon in Nashik district, while one is from Washim district.

A case has been registered at Shivajinagar Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act. PSI Arvind Shinde is conducting further investigation.

The operation was carried out by the Shivajinagar Police surveillance and night-duty teams under the supervision of senior Pune Police officials.