Cops halt ingenious cab thief in Ahmedabad

Nobody can accuse thieves in the city of lacking in ingenuity. Take the case of Anil Rajpurohit, 33, who made a living by stealing vehicles the 'unconventional' way. Anil used to hire a cab and then assault the driver before fleeing with the vehicle.

He was arrested by the Karanj police. A source said that Anil used to frequent various places looking for gullible targets.

"In one incident, Anil took a taxi to Rajasthan and then beat up the driver. He later left him at an isolated place near Mt Abu Road," said head constable Ayub Khan of Karanj police station.

"The stolen cars were then sold off to potential buyers in Rajasthan," said Khan. He said Anil's activities came to light when a driver whom he had left on a road to Rajasthan contacted the police. "The victim is a resident of Ahmedabad and he filed a complaint in the matter," said Khan. One of Anil's associate Bhavarsinh Rajpurohit was also arrested in this connection. 

Incidentally, officials said that Bhavarsinh is a member of a political party and has fought the corporation elections from Isanpur. 

Officials said that four two-wheelers were recovered from Anil, and five two-wheelers were recovered from Bhavarsinh.  Sources said that the duo stole these vehicles from various places including Shahibaug, Isanpur and Karanj.

Sources said that Bhavarsinh used to sell the stolen vehicles for Rs12,000 to Rs15,000.