In a significant crackdown on vehicle theft, the Nashik Road police have successfully apprehended a trio of burglars and recovered a massive haul of 52 stolen motorcycles, with an estimated value exceeding Rs 45 lakh. The operation unveiled a sophisticated racket involving the use of counterfeit documents to sell the stolen two-wheelers.
The Sting Operation and Arrest
The breakthrough came following a complaint lodged on January 1 about a motorcycle being stolen from outside the court premises by an unidentified person. Acting on this, the police investigation intensified. Constable Vishal Patil from the detection branch later received a crucial tip-off. The information revealed that three individuals were actively selling motorcycles sourced from various districts, using fabricated registration certificates (RC) and fake number plates to legitimize the sales.
The police were alerted that the suspects were planning to arrive in the Sinnar Phata, City Link bus depot area to conduct a sale. Setting a meticulous trap, the Nashik Road police team, under the leadership of its in-charge, Senior Police Inspector Jeetendra Sapkale, moved in. The trap was sprung successfully, leading to the arrest of the three accused. At the time of arrest, two motorcycles were immediately seized from their possession.
Identities of the Accused and Modus Operandi
The arrested individuals have been identified as Yash Davre (30) of Jail Road, Nashik Road, Javed Shaikh (24), and Mustafa Shaikh (22) of Deolali Camp. Their plan was to dispose of the stolen vehicles by creating a facade of legality. They prepared and used four fake registration certificates along with counterfeit number plates, aiming to sell the motorcycles without raising suspicion among potential buyers.
This method allowed them to operate across districts, moving the stolen property with relative ease. The recovery of 52 motorcycles points to a sustained and organized operation targeting vehicle owners in the region.
Police Commendation and Ongoing Efforts
Commissioner of Police Sandeep Karnik commended the Nashik Road police team for their diligent work in detecting the stolen vehicles and dismantling this network. The successful operation not only brings the accused to justice but also promises the return of valuable property to dozens of victims.
The police are now delving deeper into the racket to uncover the full extent of the thefts and to identify any other individuals who may be involved in the supply chain or creation of the fake documents. This case serves as a stern warning to those involved in vehicle theft and related fraudulent activities in Nashik and neighboring areas.
