Thane Police Nab Trailer Driver and Cleaner in Major Iron Rod Theft Case
In a significant crackdown on industrial theft, the Thane city police have apprehended a trailer driver and his cleaner for allegedly siphoning off high-grade iron rods from a consignment they were transporting. The accused were caught red-handed while attempting to sell the stolen material on the grey market, leading to the seizure of property and materials collectively valued at approximately Rs 52 lakh.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Santosh Ramprakash Singh (48), hailing from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Sheshkumar Basdev Verma (38), a resident of Pratapgarh, also in UP. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by transport businessman Lalji Kedarnath Jaiswal (48) of Ghatkopar, the duo was entrusted with transporting a consignment of JSW Neosteel 500D iron rods belonging to a company.
How the Theft Unfolded
The incident came to light on February 27 at around 9:30 AM, when the accused allegedly diverted the trailer to an open plot opposite the Mahanagar Gas Pump at Bhayandarpada on Ghodbunder Road. Police reports indicate that the duo began unloading select bundles of 16 mm iron rods with the clear intention of selling them for personal gain.
Acting on specific intelligence, a police team swiftly intercepted the vehicle and caught the accused at the spot while the material was being offloaded. This prompt action prevented the illegal sale and led to the recovery of the stolen goods.
Seizures and Property Recovered
Officials confirmed the seizure of an 18-wheeler trailer valued at Rs 25 lakh, along with approximately 38.9 tonnes of iron rods worth Rs 23.7 lakh. Additionally, twenty-five bundles of 16 mm rods weighing around 370 kg, along with additional loose rods, were recovered from the scene. The total value of the seized property was estimated at Rs 52 lakh.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
A case has been registered under Section 316(4) (criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant) and Section 3(5) (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The entire operation was meticulously carried out by a team from the Wagle Estate Crime Branch (Unit 5).
Police have launched a manhunt for four alleged accomplices named in the FIR: Naseem Chaudhary, Kalim Chaudhary, Saif, and Abdul Hakim Jameerulla Khan, alias Bakkal. Further investigation is currently underway to uncover any additional links or involvement in this theft racket.
This case highlights the vigilance of Thane police in combating economic crimes and protecting industrial assets from such fraudulent activities.
