Pune: In a significant breakthrough, Vimantal Police have arrested two youths involved in multiple bike thefts carried out merely for thrill and leisure. The operation led to the recovery of 10 stolen motorcycles valued at approximately ₹7 lakh and the detection of eight separate theft cases.
The accused have been identified as Manishsingh Jitendrasingh Bhadoria (21) and Kartik Anil Phulpagar (21), both residents of Lohegaon. Acting on a tip-off from a confidential informant, the police laid a trap at Sanjay Park where the duo was expected to arrive on a stolen Bullet motorcycle. Officers from the investigation team swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspects along with the vehicle.
During interrogation, the duo confessed to several thefts. Police investigations revealed that seven of the stolen motorcycles were linked to FIRs registered at Vimantal Police Station, while one was tied to a case in Kothrud. The remaining two thefts are currently under investigation.
The action was conducted under the leadership of Additional Police Commissioner Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioner Himmat Jadhav, and Assistant Commissioner Pranjali Sonawane. The task force comprised Police Inspector (Crime) Ashalata Khapre, Assistant Inspector Vijay Chandan, and officers Rupesh Pisal, Shailesh Naik, Rakesh Chandekar, Ankush Jogdande, Yogesh Thopte, Dadasaheb Barde, Dnyandev Aware, Hariprasad Punde, Lalu Kahe, Girish Nanekar, and Rupesh Todekar.
The arrests and subsequent recoveries have brought relief to several vehicle owners and stand as a strong warning against rising petty crimes among youth.
