Palghar, Maharashtra: In a major crackdown on vehicle thefts, the Vasai Crime Branch Unit 2 has successfully solved seven auto-rickshaw theft cases with the arrest of two notorious criminals. The operation has led to the recovery of stolen vehicles worth ₹3.4 lakh.
The case first came to light following a complaint lodged by Madan Lal Dudh Nath Yadav, a 40-year-old auto-rickshaw driver from Kurla West, Mumbai. On June 14, 2025, Yadav had parked his Bajaj auto-rickshaw, along the roadside near Father Wadi Naka in Vasai East, Palghar, between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Upon returning, he found the vehicle missing. Acting on his complaint, Waliv Police registered a case on June 15, 2025.
With rising incidents of vehicle theft across the Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar Commissionerate, senior police officials had already issued directives to intensify surveillance and curb such crimes. Acting swiftly on these instructions, officers from Crime Branch Unit 2 began an immediate investigation.
They examined CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas. The investigation soon led them to two suspects, who were apprehended on June 16, 2025. The stolen rickshaw was also recovered during the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Iqbal alias Akbal Aziz Khan, aged 57, residing in the Byculla slum area of Byculla West, Mumbai, and Syed Ali Bakriddin Nai, aged 35, from Pragati Nagar, Nalasopara East in Vasai, Palghar. During police interrogation, Khan confessed not only to the recent Waliv theft but also admitted to committing six additional auto-rickshaw thefts across various areas in Mumbai and Palghar.
Further investigations revealed Khan’s involvement in similar thefts registered at Vile Parle, Goregaon, Santacruz, Ghatkopar, Andheri, and Kherwadi police stations. In total, seven auto-rickshaws stolen in separate incidents have been recovered, with their combined value estimated at ₹3,40,000.
Police officials also discovered that Khan is a habitual offender with a long criminal history. His past offenses include multiple theft cases registered since 2007 at police stations such as Bhandup, Vakola, Parkside, Dindoshi, Kurla, Sakinaka, Amboli, Borivali, Ghatkopar, and Oshiwara. Several of these cases are registered under the Indian Penal Code for offenses related to theft and unlawful possession.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Police Commissioner Madhukar Pandey, Additional Commissioner Dattatray Shinde, Deputy Commissioner (Crime) Avinash Ambure, and Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Madan Ballal.
The investigation team was led by Police Inspector Sameer Ahirrao of Crime Branch Unit 2, Vasai, and included several officers and constables who worked closely with the Cyber Police in bringing the accused to justice.
