Three Men Arrested for Stealing Iron Fencing from Samruddhi Expressway in Jalna
In a significant crackdown on infrastructure theft, the Chandanzira police in Jalna district have arrested three individuals for allegedly stealing iron angles and protective fencing installed along the Samruddhi expressway. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, resulted in the seizure of stolen property and a vehicle collectively valued at Rs 5.5 lakh.
Preventive Measures Compromised by Theft
The stolen iron angles and mesh were specifically installed along the expressway to serve a critical safety function: preventing cattle from straying onto the carriageway. This measure was designed to avoid potential accidents and the associated financial losses for motorists and authorities. The theft not only represents a financial setback but also compromises public safety on one of Maharashtra's key highways.
Police Intercept Suspects After Chase
According to Jalna Superintendent of Police Ajaykumar Bansal, the accused were intercepted while transporting the stolen materials for sale near the Nagewadi toll naka in Jalna city. The arrest followed a dramatic chase that unfolded in the dead of night.
Around 12:30 AM on February 28, a Chandanzira police patrol team noticed a pickup truck behaving suspiciously near the Nagewadi toll plaza. Upon spotting the police vehicle, the pickup driver accelerated towards Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, prompting an immediate pursuit. The driver eventually stopped the vehicle by the roadside, and three occupants attempted to flee under the cover of darkness.
Arrests Made and Evidence Recovered
The police successfully apprehended two of the suspects: Ikrar Khan Mukhtar Khan and Vilas Bhaolal Chundiyal, both residents of Dusarbid in Sindkhed Raja taluka of Buldhana district. However, the pickup's owner-driver, Devanand Shankar Doifode, a resident of Keshav Shivni in the same taluka, managed to escape. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities are actively searching for him.
A thorough search of the pickup truck led to the recovery of nearly 1 tonne of iron angles and fencing mesh. Additionally, police discovered three heavy-duty cutter tools inside the vehicle, which were allegedly used for cutting the iron materials. When questioned about the ownership of the iron, the detained accused provided evasive and unsatisfactory answers, further raising suspicions that the goods were stolen.
Confession and Ongoing Investigation
The accused were taken to the Chandanzira police station, where a formal case was registered based on the complaint filed by police head constable Krishna Tange. During sustained interrogation, the arrested individuals allegedly confessed to stealing the iron angles and fencing from a specific stretch of the Samruddhi expressway between Sindkhed Raja and Kingaon Raja. They also admitted to committing a similar theft earlier and selling the stolen material.
The police have informed the Samruddhi Expressway authorities about the theft, and a comprehensive investigation is underway. Efforts are focused on tracing the fugitive suspect and determining the full extent of the thefts, including any potential involvement of additional individuals or networks.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting critical infrastructure from theft and vandalism, particularly in remote or rural areas. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near highways to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
