Increase in drug-related robberies in Nagpur: Police crackdown | Nagpur News

Nagpur: The branch of crime of the city police has launched a major crackdown on thieves and robbers, successfully solving nine cases in two separate operations. In recent times, the municipal police have intensified their efforts to combat vehicle thefts i theftswhich had become a growing concern among the public.
In the first operation, Unit 3 of the crime branch arrested two thieves and solved seven cases. Last month, cash and valuables worth Rs 6.54 lakh were stolen from Mukesh Nipani’s residence in Vaishali Nagar.
The Pachpaoli police registered a case of theft and started an investigation. The crime branch started a parallel investigation. While examining the CCTV footage of the crime scene, the police got a vital clue about the vehicle used in the crime.
The police later traced the accused, Ramakant alias Rambhau Shahu (27) and Narendra alias Bali Bokde (23). In an intense interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to his involvement in three robberies and four vehicle thefts. Police have recovered stolen items and three stolen vehicles, collectively valued at Rs 9.53 lakh.
Sources said both the accused are drug addicts and engage in criminal activities to support their addictions. Ramakant is also wanted in connection with two theft cases registered at Kalamna police station, they said.
In another incident, Unit 5 of the crime branch arrested three criminals and solved two cases of vehicle thefts. Police were investigating a bike theft reported at Jaripatka police station, which led to the arrest of Akash Nagrale (27), Yogesh Chavhan (25) and Devendra Thakre (24).
Police said the accused were arrested with the assistance of CCTV footage and intelligence on the ground. Authorities have recovered two stolen vehicles and seized the bicycle used in the crime, with a total value of Rs 1.20 lakh.
Sources said most of the vehicle thefts happen in busy or market areas of the city. Also, most of the robberies are reported in the outskirts of the city under the jurisdiction of police stations like Hudkeshwar, Wathoda, Pratap Nagar and others.
Locals have asked the police to improve night patrols to prevent such incidents from happening. Police have advised citizens to inform their neighbors and respective police stations if they plan to leave the city, allowing police and locals to keep an eye on their homes.