Vadodara Police Crack Down on Serial Burglaries, Nab Two Accused from Rajasthan
The Vadodara Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) has achieved a significant breakthrough by apprehending two individuals from Rajasthan in connection with a series of high-value thefts across the city. This operation has led to the resolution of multiple undetected cases and the recovery of stolen property worth lakhs of rupees.
Arrests and Seizures in Major Burglary Case
On Monday, police officers announced the arrest of the two accused, who were allegedly involved in a burglary at the residence of a local businessman, where they stole valuables amounting to Rs 18 lakh. Intriguingly, the suspects reportedly entered the premises "dressed in formal attire," a tactic that may have aided their illicit activities. In addition to this case, the DCB seized valuables worth approximately Rs 74 lakh from various thefts, underscoring the scale of their criminal operations.
Details of the Criminal Activities
Police investigations reveal that the two men have been active in committing thefts across Vadodara since the 2023-24 period. They were arrested based on a tip-off indicating their planned arrival in the city en route to Ahmedabad, where they intended to sell stolen jewellery. The arrest is directly linked to a theft incident on January 14, during which the accused allegedly stole Rs 18 lakh, including Rs 4 lakh in cash, from the businessman's home. To execute this crime, they stayed at a guest house attached to a local temple.
With these arrests, a total of four previously undetected break-in cases have now been solved, bringing relief to affected residents and demonstrating police efficacy.
Profiles of the Accused and Their Methods
The main accused, identified as Prahlad alias Pradeep Dadich (38), has a history of criminal involvement, with arrests in 14 burglary cases across Vadodara, Anand, and Jodhpur. Notably, Dadich is accused of melting stolen gold to create pure gold bars, which he then mortgaged in Mumbai. His co-accused, Suresh alias Rajveer Sen (36), has been arrested in three burglary cases in Rajasthan previously.
According to Vadodara Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Himanshu Kumar Verma, the accused followed a meticulous modus operandi. They would first conduct reconnaissance of target locations, often staying in the city's outskirts, before carrying out thefts at night. Their targets were primarily locked homes, where they used tools to break open doors and flee with cash and gold. Police are also investigating the potential involvement of another accomplice in these crimes.
Recovered Valuables and Ongoing Investigation
From the two accused, police have recovered significant assets, including:
- Gold worth Rs 71.46 lakh
- Silver ornaments worth Rs 1.33 lakh
- Cash amounting to Rs 1.3 lakh
This seizure highlights the extensive nature of their thefts and the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat such crimes in the region. The Vadodara Police continue to investigate further details and connections to ensure all aspects of these cases are thoroughly addressed.
