Pune Crime Branch Cracks Down on Police Impersonation Gold Theft
The Pimpri Chinchwad crime branch achieved a significant breakthrough on Saturday with the arrest of a notorious criminal recorded in police files. This individual was apprehended for orchestrating a sophisticated scheme where he impersonated a police officer to steal valuable gold jewellery from unsuspecting victims.
Dual Cases Uncovered in Hinjewadi and Dehu Road
A dedicated crime branch team, under the leadership of senior police inspector Arvind Pawar, successfully detected and linked two separate cases registered with the Hinjewadi and Dehu Road police stations. The meticulous investigation revealed a pattern of deception targeting elderly residents.
The accused has been identified as Mohammed Ali, a 40-year-old resident of Ambivali in Thane district. His arrest marks a crucial step in curbing such fraudulent activities in the region.
Modus Operandi: A Disturbing Tale of Deception
On February 7, a 70-year-old retired man from Wakad filed a formal complaint with the Hinjewadi police. He recounted a harrowing experience where two men forcibly stopped his motorcycle as he was returning home from a temple visit. Posing as policemen, the duo warned him about the rising incidents of theft and advised against wearing gold jewellery openly.
They instructed the elderly man to remove his gold ring and chain, which had a combined value of approximately Rs 2.23 lakh. After wrapping the jewellery in paper, they handed it back to him. However, in a clever diversion, they swapped the precious items with ordinary stones while the victim was distracted.
Intensive Investigation Leads to Arrest
Senior inspector Arvind Pawar detailed the rigorous investigative efforts, stating, "Our team meticulously reviewed over 120 CCTV footage recordings to trace the movements of the accused, ultimately pinpointing his location in Ambivali."
Acting on a crucial tip-off provided by police constable Vikram Kudal, the police team swiftly moved to Ambivali to take Mohammed Ali into custody. The operation faced minor resistance from Ali's relatives, who attempted to obstruct the arrest, but the authorities successfully brought him to Pimpri Chinchwad for further questioning.
Confession Reveals Additional Crimes
During interrogation, Mohammed Ali confessed to his involvement in another similar case registered with the Dehu Road police in July of the previous year. In that incident, jewellery valued at around Rs 1.75 lakh was stolen using an identical impersonation tactic.
Pawar further disclosed that Ali has a lengthy criminal record, with several cases registered against him in various states across the country. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities delve deeper into his activities and potential connections to other unsolved crimes.
This arrest underscores the vigilance of the Pune police in tackling organized crime and protecting citizens from such elaborate scams. Residents are advised to remain cautious and verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers, especially in isolated situations.
