Police Crack Down on Inter-District Gang in Daring Highway Robbery Case
In a swift and decisive operation, the police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have successfully dismantled an inter-district gang responsible for a brazen highway robbery. The incident, which involved a goldsmith being robbed at knifepoint of jewellery valued at approximately ₹30 lakh, saw the entire stolen property recovered within an impressive 48-hour window.
Details of the Robbery and Swift Police Action
The robbery took place on January 30, 2026, within the jurisdiction of the Sengaon police station. According to police reports, the victim, Suresh Sambhaji Khandarkar, a 37-year-old goldsmith from Lonar in Buldhana district, was returning home on his motorcycle from Kapadsingi. On the Kapadsingi–Lonar stretch of the Sonar highway at Dhanora shivar, three men on a motorcycle pursued him, forcibly knocked him down, and threatened him with a knife. They proceeded to rob him of 114 grams of gold ornaments, 3.6 kg of silver ornaments, his mobile phone, and an undisclosed amount of cash, with the total loot estimated at around ₹30 lakh.
Immediately following the incident, parallel investigations were launched by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) and the Sengaon police. Utilizing a combination of technical analysis, CCTV footage, and confidential intelligence inputs, authorities were able to quickly identify and track the inter-district gang involved.
Arrests and Recovery of Stolen Property
The police have arrested six individuals in connection with the robbery. The accused include:
- Parmeshwar alias Sagar Sahebrao Padolkar (29)
- Rahul Mohan Pawar (29)
- Shoaib Hamid Pathan (24)
- Abhishek Pralhad Dhanwade (22)
These four are from Jalna and Parbhani districts. Additionally, two local accomplices were apprehended:
- Bhagwan Vinayak Haral (28)
- Tukaram Punjaram Haral (30)
Both are residents of Kapadsingi. During the investigation, some of the accused also confessed to their involvement in an earlier bank burglary at Kapadsingi, highlighting the gang's criminal history.
In a significant breakthrough, the police managed to recover the entire stolen property, including all the jewellery and other items, ensuring that the victim's losses were fully restored.
Official Statements and Broader Implications
Superintendent of Police Dr. Nilabh Rohan emphasized the priority given to this case, stating, "This case was a priority as it involved a targeted attack on a goldsmith on a public highway. Coordinated efforts ensured recovery within 48 hours." This statement underscores the police's commitment to tackling serious crimes that threaten public safety.
Additional Superintendent of Police Kamlesh Mina added, "Technical evidence and local intelligence helped crack the inter-district network and prevent further such crimes." His remarks highlight the effective use of modern investigative techniques and community cooperation in solving complex criminal cases.
The successful resolution of this case not only brings justice to the victim but also serves as a deterrent to similar criminal activities in the region. It demonstrates the police's capability to handle high-stakes robberies and their dedication to maintaining law and order on public highways.
