Pune Police have busted an interstate gang targeting devotees during the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi processions in Pune. The gang was involved in stealing mobile phones and women’s gold jewellery, taking advantage of the crowds.
Police have arrested six accused and seized stolen property valued at approximately ₹24 lakh. The accused have been identified as Chandani Shakti Kamble (32, Latur), Rita alias Ganga Namdev Kamble (35, Latur), Babita Suraj Upadhye (57, Latur), Puja Dhiraj Kamble (35, Latur), Ganesh Vilas Jadhav (30, Solapur) and Arbaz Naushad Sheikh (19, Jharkhand).
According to police, the gang had been active during the Palkhi processions in Pune city, preying on devotees’ jewellery and mobile phones. Acting under the guidance of Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Deshmukh, Units 5 and 6 of the Crime Branch arrested six suspects and also detained a 17-year-old minor.
Pankaj Deshmukh, Additional Commissioner of Police, speaking to the media, said, “Police have recovered 22.5 tolas of gold jewellery, including 20 mangalsutras and necklaces worth ₹19.41 lakh, along with 14 mobile phones worth ₹4.50 lakh, amounting to a total of ₹23,91,130. We urge the victims to come forward and file complaints with the Pune Police if their valuables were stolen during the Palkhi procession. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining owners of the recovered property.”
The arrested accused are habitual offenders and have several theft cases against them. Police are investigating the matter, and additional arrests are expected soon in connection with the crime.
Regarding the matter, cases have been registered at Hadapsar Police Station (CR Nos. 595, 596, 597, 598/2025 under Sections 303(2), 304(2) of the IPC), Loni Kalbhor Police Station (CR No. 285/2025 under Section 303(2) of the IPC), and Wanawadi Police Station (CR No. 274/2025 under Section 303(2) of the IPC). Further investigation is underway.
