Finally, cops catch Pune-based thieves

An inter-city gang of thieves, which has been terrifying the city for about three years, was finally caught by the cops on Saturday. 

Four of the seven thieves, who operate in Mumbai and Pune, were intercepted by the Bandra police as they were preparing for their next target — travel agencies near Lilavati Hospital.

The police caught Rafiq Shaikh, Nilesh Chougule, Nitin Shirsekar and Nilesh Bagade near Bandra reclamation. They have been remanded in police custody till October 18. However the leader of the gang, Sanjay Kamble alias Mama, is absconding. “We have alerted the Pune police. We will arrest him soon,” said Sunil Goshalkar, assistant police inspector.

The gang had stolen Rs50,000 from Andheri on Friday. They dispersed with plans to meet at the Reclamation Bridge and discuss their next targets. They have more than 40 cases pending against them.