Deccan police have arrested three suspects involved in robbing the people at Hanuman Tekdi, near Senapati Bapat Road for the last few months. The police have recovered sharp weapons and gold ornaments worth Rs3.5 lakh.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Swapnil Shivaji Donbe (32), Anil Swami (24) and Monty alias Tejas Kharade (24), all residents of Janta Vasahat. While the police arrested Donbe and Swami first, pursuing the case further they also nabbed Kharade.
In a recent incident, a college student was robbed by two goons who snatched her gold chain worth Rs1 lakh at knifepoint while she was walking at the Tekdi on Jan 4. A case regarding the incident was registered at the Deccan Police Station.
Addressing the press, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Sandeep Singh Gill said, “Many people, including students, go to walk at the Hanuman Tekdi. In the last few days, cases of chain snatching have increased. Following the incident, our team started an investigation and with the help of technical analysis we have arrested the habitual goons involved in the crime.”
“All the accused are the residents of Janata Vasahat and already have cases of theft and chain snatching registered in various police stations across the city,” the DCP added.
Speaking about the modus operandi of the suspects, DCP Gill highlighted that they targeted those who sit alone or are at desolate places at the Tekdi. The suspects would rob the victims by threatening them with sharp weapons.
“Our team has detained four gold chains worth Rs3.5 lakh. To curb such crimes in future we are coordinating with Pune Municipal Corporation to install more CCTV cameras and lights. Police patrolling will be also increased,” he said.
“We urge residents to not wear valuable gold ornaments while going for a walk in desolate places. Dial the police helpline to inform immediately (of a crime),” Gill added.
