Navi Mumbai Crime Branch Nabs Three in High-Value Sugar Trader Robbery
The Central Unit of the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch has made significant progress in a high-profile dacoity case, arresting three key members of a nine-member gang. This criminal syndicate had orchestrated a sophisticated robbery by impersonating police officers, targeting a sugar trader from Sangli and making off with a substantial sum of Rs 13.2 lakh in cash.
Arrests Made in Ghansoli and Belapur
According to Sub-Inspector Sunil Shinde, the arrests were carried out in coordinated operations on January 26 and 27. The apprehended individuals have been identified as Vishal Tupe (35), a resident of Ghansoli, Rohit Shelar (26) from Satara, and Moj Bhandari (37) from Kalyan. These arrests were executed from locations in Ghansoli and Belapur, marking a crucial breakthrough in the investigation.
Elaborate Scheme to Lure the Victim
The criminal plot was set into motion in September of last year when the accused first contacted the complainant, Manish Shinde (56). Posing as legitimate sellers, they offered him gold at discounted prices, sparking his interest. Initially, the deal was negotiated for 100 grams of gold. In a manipulative move, the gang members advised Shinde to carry physical cash to the transaction, citing potential issues with digital payments as a pretext.
Violent Robbery Under the Guise of a Police Raid
On the evening of January 6, around 5:30 PM, the situation escalated dramatically. Six unidentified men arrived at the predetermined location in a Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV). Disguised as police officers, they falsely claimed to be conducting a raid for unaccounted cash. In a violent turn of events, the assailants assaulted Shinde with a baton before forcibly seizing his cash and fleeing the scene.
Realizing that the entire episode was a premeditated dacoity, Manish Shinde promptly filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Kharghar police station, setting the stage for the subsequent investigation.
Criminal History of the Accused
Inspector Shinde provided further insight into the background of one of the arrested individuals, Vishal Tupe. Tupe has a significant criminal record, with six cases registered against him from 2020 to 2023. These cases span multiple police jurisdictions, including Govandi, Sanpada, Panvel City, Vikhroli, Bhiwandi, and Kharghar police stations, indicating a pattern of illicit activities.
The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch continues its efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the gang, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to law and order in the region.
