Major Police Operation in Belagavi Nabs Notorious Burglary Gang
In a significant law enforcement achievement, the Harugeri police in Belagavi district have successfully dismantled an inter-state burglary gang, arresting seven individuals and recovering stolen valuables worth approximately Rs 36.1 lakh. This operation marks a crucial breakthrough in a series of house-break cases reported earlier this year, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts.
Details of the Arrests and Recovered Property
The arrested suspects have been identified as Ravi Shinde (32), Sunil Natha Pawar (27), Shankar alias Bihari Saiba Jadhav (25), Dileep Tukaram Shinde (25), Kishore Rajabahu More (27), Vinod Gangaram Shinde (23), and Mithun Chimmaji Jadhav (24). Most of these accused are residents of Jalna and Parbhani districts in Maharashtra, indicating the gang's cross-border criminal activities.
During a press conference on Monday, Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan provided comprehensive details of the case. The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by Abhishek Suresh Pandey, a resident of Vidyanagar in Harugeri of Raibag taluk, on February 7, 2026. Pandey reported that unidentified persons had broken into his house on February 6, making off with valuable items stored inside.
The stolen property from Pandey's residence included approximately 280 grams of gold ornaments valued at about Rs 22 lakh and 1.5 kilograms of silver puja articles worth around Rs 1.3 lakh. In the same incident, the burglars also targeted the house of another Harugeri resident, Saraswati Sanju Badiger, allegedly stealing 25 grams of gold ornaments worth Rs 81,000 and Rs 7,000 in cash.
Police Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Acting on instructions from SP Ramarajan and under the supervision of Additional SP BR Basaragi and Athani DySP Prashant Munnoli, a special investigation team was formed to tackle this case. The team conducted meticulous investigations and technical analyses, ultimately tracking down and apprehending the seven accused in Maharashtra.
The police operation resulted in the seizure of substantial stolen property, including:
- 267 grams of gold ornaments worth approximately Rs 29 lakh
- 1 kilogram and 80 grams of silver articles valued at Rs 3 lakh
- A Nissan car estimated at Rs 3.5 lakh
- Six mobile phones worth about Rs 50,000
- Rs 9,830 in cash
The total value of the recovered property is estimated at Rs 36,11,830, representing a significant recovery for the victims and a blow to criminal operations in the region.
Gang's Criminal History and Police Challenges
Police investigations have revealed that the accused belong to a notorious inter-state burglary gang with a extensive criminal record. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in numerous similar property offences across multiple districts in Karnataka.
The gang's criminal activities spanned across Athani, Ugar, Rabakavi, Chikkamagaluru, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Kolar, Harapanahalli, Chitradurga, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Bagalkot, Davanagere, and Gadag districts, demonstrating their widespread operations and the challenge they posed to law enforcement agencies.
SP Ramarajan emphasized the dangerous nature of this criminal group, noting that the gang members assaulted police personnel during the arrest operation, highlighting their violent tendencies and the risks faced by officers during such interventions.
Coordinated Police Operation and Future Investigations
The successful operation was carried out under the leadership of Harugeri Circle Police Inspector Ratankumar Jiragyal and Police Sub-Inspector Malappa Pujari. They received crucial assistance from personnel at Harugeri, Kudachi, Kagwad, Aigali, and Athani police stations, along with technical support from the Belagavi district police team.
Police authorities have confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine the gang's potential involvement in other burglary cases across Karnataka. This ongoing effort aims to ensure that all criminal activities linked to this group are thoroughly investigated and addressed through proper legal channels.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. The Belagavi police's successful operation demonstrates their commitment to combating organized crime and protecting citizens' property across district and state boundaries.
