In a swift operation, the Kolhapur police have cracked a major armed dacoity case, arresting seven suspects within just 12 hours of a brazen highway robbery involving valuables worth approximately Rs 1.2 crore. The dramatic heist targeted a private bus heading to Mumbai late on Monday night.
The Highway Holdup: A Detailed Account
The incident unfolded near Wathar, about 22 kilometers from Kolhapur city along the national highway to Bengaluru. A group of armed men forced the bus to stop. They proceeded to rob 60 kg of silver and 10 grams of gold, along with some machinery parts, from a staffer of an Angadia (courier) service who was on board.
Investigations revealed a crucial inside link. The bus cleaner, identified as 22-year-old Saifu Afghani from Uchgaon's Madina Colony, was familiar with the Angadia worker due to his frequent trips. Facing a debt of Rs 8 lakh, Saifu allegedly conspired with the main suspect, 31-year-old Akshay Kadam from Kolhapur's Vikram Nagar, and others to execute the crime.
The Elaborate Conspiracy and Swift Arrests
The plot was hatched a week prior. Saifu informed his brother, Jaid (21), about the valuable consignment. Jaid then roped in his friend Akshay Kadam and Aman Sayyad (21). They further enlisted Sujal Chougale (20), Adinath Vipate (25), and Adesh Kamble (18) from Sangli to carry out the robbery.
According to the police plan, Kadam and Jaid boarded the bus at Kawala Naka. After the bus crossed Wathar and was just before the Kini toll booth, they entered the driver's cabin. Threatening the driver with a machete, they forced him to stop the bus and open the luggage compartment. They also assaulted the driver and the cleaner, Saifu, to maintain the facade, before fleeing with the parcels.
Inspector Pramod Shinde of Vadgaon police station stated that by tracing the movement of bikes from the crime scene, they identified Kadam, who has a history of petty crimes. A search of his house led to the recovery of the entire stolen property. Kadam's disclosure about a planned meeting at Temblai Nagar in Kolhapur led to the arrest of the remaining accused.
Aftermath and Police Custody
There were 31 passengers on the bus, most of whom were reportedly unaware of the robbery occurring in the driver's cabin, possibly due to sleep or the sound of the air conditioning. The driver alerted the police after reaching the Kini toll booth.
The police have successfully recovered all the robbed valuables. The Angadia firm will get its property back after necessary verification through the court. All seven arrested accused were presented before a Kolhapur court on Wednesday, which granted police custody until December 26 for further investigation.
