Mumbai Crime News: Wadala Police Nab Temple Theft Accused During Late-Night Nakabandi On Eastern Freeway

Mumbai: In a swift and alert operation, Wadala Police apprehended two individuals attempting to flee after allegedly stealing a silver crown and a donation box from a temple in South Mumbai. The arrests were made early Tuesday morning during a police Nakabandi set up on the Godrej Junction under the Eastern Freeway flyover.

According to police officials, the operation was conducted between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on June 3, under the jurisdiction of the Wadala Police Station. During the nakabandi (roadblock), Beat Marshal Head Constable Sagar Pawar stopped a suspicious taxi (MH 01 AT 2944) for inspection.

Inside the taxi, two suspects – Rafiullah Ehsanullah Khan, 26 and Raju Kamble, 21 – were found in possession of a steel donation box and a silver crown weighing approximately 50 to 60 grams, embedded with red beads. Upon interrogation, both suspects appeared nervous and confessed to stealing the items from a Shani temple located on Bhulabhai Desai Road in South Mumbai.

Further investigation revealed that the accused are residents of Sangam Nagar, Chikhalwadi, in Antop Hill. Khan reportedly works as a carpenter. A case regarding the theft had already been registered at the Gamdevi Police Station. Consequently, the Wadala Police handed over the custody of both accused to the Gamdevi Police for further investigation.

Both individuals have been formally arrested, and additional inquiries are ongoing, authorities confirmed.