Special Correspondent
Pimpri Chinchwad: The Sant Tukaram Nagar police have apprehended a habitual offender accused of stealing UPS systems and CCTV camera batteries from public areas. The suspect, identified as Buddhabhushan Pravin Dongre, a resident of Gharkul, Chikhali, was caught while attempting to sell the stolen goods. Authorities have recovered stolen items valued at Rs 5.98 lakh.
Investigations revealed Dongre’s involvement in three theft cases registered at Sant Tukaram Nagar Police Station, MIDC Bhosari Police Station, and Kalewadi Police Station.
Intelligence Tip-Off Leads to Arrest
During a routine investigation of known offenders, Police Constable Javed Mujawar received information that Dongre had stolen surveillance equipment from various locations in Pimpri-Chinchwad and was planning to sell some items near BRT Road in Chinchwad.
A team led by Police Sub-Inspector Shakir Jinedi from Sant Tukaram Nagar Police Station laid a trap near an isolated stretch of BRT Road behind Kala Group Company, MIDC Chinchwad. The suspect was spotted near a bus stop with a two-wheeler, waiting for a potential buyer.
When approached by the police, Dongre attempted to evade questioning and gave unclear responses. Upon inspection, officers found two UPS units and four batteries, confirmed to be stolen property linked to a registered case.
Major Recovery Operation
Following Dongre’s arrest, a detailed search led to the recovery of 17 batteries, 21 UPS units, and a two-wheeler, totaling Rs 5.98 lakh in value.
The successful operation was led by Senior Police Inspector Gorakh Kumbhar, with significant contributions from Police Sub-Inspector Shakir Jinedi, Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Deepak Mahajan, and Police Constables Swapnil Warde, Santosh Rajput, Javed Mujawar, Bhagwat Gaikwad, and Anil Wagh.
Impact on Smart City Surveillance
The extensive CCTV surveillance system installed under the Smart City project in Pimpri-Chinchwad aims to enhance security and crime prevention. However, the repeated theft of batteries and UPS systems had disrupted police monitoring efforts. The arrest is expected to help restore smooth surveillance operations and deter further thefts.
