Pune Rural Police Arrest Temple Thieves in Dramatic Chase, Recover 107-Year-Old Idol in Satara
Baramati, 19th September 2024: Pune Rural Police have arrested a group of thieves who stole idols, lamps, bells, and masks from temples frequented daily by devotees. In a dramatic, film-like chase, the police pursued the thieves all the way to Lonand in Satara District and detained the gang. This operation was carried out by officials from Supa Police Station.
The arrested individuals are Omkar Shashikant Salunkhe (resident of Wai, native of Khandala), Tushar Anil Pawar (resident of Khandala), and Saurabh Dattatraya Patne (resident of Khandala). Additionally, a minor accomplice has also been taken into custody.
According to police reports, officials from Supa Police Station were patrolling at night within the limits of Dandwadi village in Baramati Taluka when they noticed a car suspiciously parked by the roadside with its number plate concealed with mud. As a police constable approached the car, the driver suddenly sped away towards Supa. At the same time, two individuals took advantage of the darkness and fled from a nearby Vitthal Temple. The officers reported the incident to their superiors.
Police Constables Sachin Darekar and Sagar Waghmode pursued the accused and eventually caught him in Lonand, Satara District. The individuals who had fled from the Vitthal Temple were also detained. From the accused, the police recovered a 107-year-old Paneshwar idol, two masks, two lamps, one pancharathi, one mushak, and 15 small and large bells. These thieves had committed thefts in the jurisdictions of Supa, Velha, Satara, Wathar, and Hadapsar Police Stations.
Deputy Superintendents of Police Ganesh Biradar and Dr. Suryadarshan Rathod informed that more crimes may be detected in other police stations. Additionally, Patne, the accused, has been remanded in police custody until 21st September. Assistant Police Inspector Manoj Kumar Navsare stated that the other two suspects were produced in court today, while the fourth accused, a minor, has been issued a notice.
