The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Friday apprehended a man who was wanted by the Maharashtra Police in connection with a temple theft case that had sparked communal tensions in Thane district. The accused, identified as Ajay Ramavatar Pasi, was arrested from Parsa Station Road Crossing in the Shohratgarh area of Siddharthnagar district.
Details of the Arrest
Pasi, a resident of Kushwahagaon Ward No 7 in Nepal, had been absconding in a case registered at Narpoli police station in Bhiwandi. The case involves the alleged theft of jewellery adorning a Hanuman temple idol and cash from the temple's donation box. This incident had heightened tensions in the locality, prompting increased police deployment.
Officials noted that the sensitive nature of the case led the Maharashtra Police to intensify efforts to track down the accused, eventually seeking assistance from the UP STF. Acting on this request, the STF's Gorakhpur field unit launched a targeted intelligence operation under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Dharmesh Kumar Shahi.
Intelligence Operation and Confession
DySP Shahi informed that specific inputs were developed on June 5, indicating Pasi's presence in the Shohratgarh area. Based on this intelligence, a joint team of UP STF and Maharashtra Police carried out a coordinated raid at Parsa Station Road Crossing, successfully arresting the accused without incident.
During preliminary interrogation, Pasi reportedly confessed to his involvement in the theft. Officials stated that efforts are underway to recover the stolen ornaments and cash, with further questioning to be conducted by the investigating officer in Maharashtra.
Legal Proceedings and Interstate Coordination
Following the arrest, Pasi was produced at Shohratgarh police station, where legal formalities were completed. The Maharashtra Police have initiated transit remand proceedings and are expected to take custody of the accused shortly to transport him to Thane for detailed investigation and further legal action.
Police officials highlighted that the arrest underscores strong interstate coordination and intelligence-sharing between the Uttar Pradesh STF and Maharashtra Police, particularly in cases with communal sensitivity. Timely action and close coordination ensured that the accused was traced and apprehended quickly, preventing any further escalation linked to the case, an STF officer said.
