Maharashtra Trio's Gold Heist in Vadodara: Crime Branch Nabs One, Recovers Melted Bar
The Vadodara crime branch has made a significant breakthrough in a high-value theft case, arresting a man from Maharashtra for allegedly stealing gold ornaments worth over Rs 14 lakh from a passenger at the state transport (ST) bus depot in the city. The accused, identified as Avinash Kale, was part of a trio that executed the theft in December last year, with his wife Vaishali and another woman, Taramati Kale, still on the run.
Planned Theft Operation Unfolds at Bus Depot
According to police officials, the three suspects, all residents of Maharashtra, meticulously planned their crime. They travelled to Vadodara in a car with the sole intention of committing theft. Upon reaching the ST bus depot, they reportedly surveilled passengers boarding buses, carefully selecting their target. The trio allegedly stole a purse containing the valuable gold ornaments from an unsuspecting commuter, making a swift getaway.
CCTV Footage Provides Crucial Leads
Investigators credited CCTV footage from the depot as a pivotal element in cracking the case. The footage captured the accused arriving and moving around the premises in their vehicle, providing clear visuals that aided the probe. By tracing the car's details, police were able to identify the suspects and link them to Maharashtra. A dedicated team was subsequently dispatched to Beed district, where the trio resides, leading to Avinash Kale's arrest.
Stolen Gold Melted into Bar, Seized by Police
During interrogation, Avinash revealed that the stolen ornaments were handed over to a local jeweller to be transformed into new jewellery. The jeweller melted down the ornaments and converted them into a gold bar, which has since been seized by the police as part of the evidence. This recovery marks a key step in the investigation, though efforts to apprehend Vaishali and Taramati are ongoing.
Accused Have Criminal Histories in Multiple States
Police records indicate that Avinash Kale has three previous cases of loot and cheating registered against him in Maharashtra and Telangana, highlighting a pattern of criminal activity. Similarly, his wife Vaishali has two theft cases in Maharashtra. These histories underscore the trio's involvement in organized theft, with the Vadodara incident adding to their list of alleged offences.
The Vadodara crime branch continues to pursue the absconding suspects and is working to ensure all involved face justice for this brazen theft at a public transport hub.
