Maharashtra Police Crack Down on Inter-District Gang Involved in Solar Thefts and Highway Robberies
In a significant breakthrough, the Rural police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have successfully dismantled an inter-district criminal gang allegedly responsible for a series of thefts from solar power projects and highway robberies across six districts in Maharashtra. The operation has led to the arrest of four individuals, including the alleged mastermind, with recovered booty valued at approximately Rs 17.08 lakh.
Coordinated Police Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests
Superintendent of Police Vinaykumar Rathod detailed that the gang had been actively targeting solar installations and motorists for several months. "Our local crime branch team executed a meticulously planned and well-coordinated operation, resulting in the apprehension of the key accused along with his associates. Their ongoing interrogation is proving instrumental in linking them to numerous other criminal offences," Rathod stated.
Additional Superintendent of Police Annapurna Singh emphasized the broader implications of the arrests, noting that they may help resolve multiple pending cases. "This gang operated seamlessly across district boundaries, typically striking solar units and highways during late-night hours. We are currently verifying their potential involvement in similar crimes reported in other districts," Singh added.
Investigation Triggered by Solar Substation Theft
The police action was initiated following a case registered at the Pachod police station after unidentified perpetrators targeted a solar power substation around 12:30 AM on March 1. In his official complaint, solar technician Bhausaheb Lahu Pawar reported that the thieves stole copper wires worth Rs 1.10 lakh and caused significant vandalism to equipment before fleeing the scene.
During the subsequent investigation, Inspector Vijaysingh Rajput received specific intelligence linking the theft to Pawan alias Channu Mahadev Kale, a resident of Khamkarwadi village—an area previously known for resistance to police interventions. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, the Local Crime Branch detained Kale on March 13.
Gang's Widespread Criminal Activities Uncovered
Upon questioning, Kale allegedly confessed to his involvement and provided detailed information about his associates and the gang's operational methods. Based on this crucial information, police subsequently arrested Sunil Bapu Tapkire from Bhosa, Tawab Nawab Khan—who is accused of purchasing the stolen materials—and Ishwar Pandurang Gawli, the owner of the vehicle used in the criminal activities.
Further investigations have revealed that the gang's criminal footprint extended beyond Sambhajinagar, encompassing Jalna, Beed, Dharashiv, Ahilyanagar, and Solapur districts. Police sources indicated that Kale was also wanted in connection with robbery cases registered at the Washi and Murum police stations in Dharashiv district. He is suspected of employing tactics such as throwing tyres on highways at night to force vehicles to stop, thereby facilitating robberies of motorists.
This crackdown highlights the persistent efforts of Maharashtra police to combat organized crime that threatens critical infrastructure and public safety across regional boundaries.
