In a case driven by desperate financial straits, the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) in Vadodara has arrested a 29-year-old man for a series of vehicle thefts committed to clear his substantial gambling debts.
The Arrest and Confession
Aarif Dewan, a resident of Karodiya Road, was apprehended by police officials on Tuesday. The breakthrough came following a specific tip-off about a man riding a two-wheeler without a licence plate in the Fatehgunj area. After maintaining surveillance, the team intercepted Dewan, who was on a non-geared scooter.
"When we asked him for the vehicle's documents, he began making excuses but failed to prove ownership," stated a police official. Subsequent verification confirmed the scooter had been stolen just days earlier. This discovery led to a more detailed interrogation.
"During further questioning, Dewan confessed to having stolen a total of six two-wheelers from various locations across the city," the official added. The thefts occurred in areas including Gorwa, Fatehgunj, Sayajigunj, Navayard, and Harni over the past several months.
Modus Operandi and Motive
Investigations revealed a clear pattern behind the crimes. Dewan specifically targeted new scooters parked in residential neighbourhoods. His method involved using duplicate keys to steal the vehicles.
The primary motive was financial desperation. Dewan admitted to pawning each stolen vehicle, receiving amounts ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 32,000 per vehicle. The funds were directly used to pay off the large debts he had accumulated from gambling.
Criminal History and Charges
Police records indicate that Aarif Dewan is not a first-time offender. He is classified as a history-sheeter with a significant criminal record. Across various police stations in the city, he has more than nine offences registered against him.
A breakdown of his charges shows five cases related to vehicle theft and four separate cases concerning gambling activities. His latest arrest adds another serious charge to this existing list.
