Defence-Bound Truck Robbed on Maharashtra Expressway
In a serious security incident, raw material destined for a defence establishment was stolen from a stationary truck on the Samruddhi Expressway. The theft occurred this past Thursday near channel number 451, within the jurisdiction of the Daulatabad division of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city police.
The Daulatabad police have officially registered a case and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Details of the Theft Incident
According to the police complaint, the victim is Manish Lohani, a resident of Ambarnath (West) in Thane district. Lohani works with NCC section 4876 at the Ayudh Nirmam unit of Yantra India Limited in Ambarnath.
His assignment involved transporting a consignment of raw material required for weapons production to a defence establishment located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Police reports indicate that the transport vehicle was carrying bronze-based components. On Thursday afternoon, between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM, Lohani halted the truck near the mentioned channel on the expressway for a short break.
During this brief stop, two unidentified individuals approached the vehicle. They allegedly stole 42 bronze components with a total reported value of Rs 71,568.
Police Investigation and Manhunt Launched
The suspects fled the scene immediately after committing the crime. Lohani discovered the material missing only after the accused had vanished, prompting him to file a report at the Daulatabad police station.
Officers emphasized the gravity of the case, confirming that the stolen items were essential raw materials for defence manufacturing.
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar stated that authorities are meticulously examining CCTV footage from the super expressway and adjacent areas. The goal is to trace the route taken by the thieves after the incident.
Investigators are also exploring a crucial angle: whether the accused were following the truck from an earlier point or if they acted on a sudden impulse upon seeing it parked.
A senior officer from Daulatabad police confirmed, "A case has been registered, and efforts are underway to identify and trace the suspects involved in the theft."
Given the sensitive nature of the stolen goods, the police have formed special teams to crack the case swiftly. Further inquiries are actively in progress.
