Navi Mumbai: An Ola driver and his accomplice were arrested by the Raigad Police Crime Branch for allegedly breaking in and stealing cash from microfinance companies in several districts. Police said one more accused is absconding.
They said accused Bhushan Sitaram Pawar, an Ola driver, did a recce of possible targets while dropping passengers during the day on outstation trips. He would return with two accomplices to commit the crime. Police said the other arrested accused is identified as Vinod Devram Devkar, while the absconding accused is Sharad Lalaji Shukla alias Bunty.
On Wednesday, the Raigad Police Crime Branch received a tip-off about two men in an Ola car who were planning a theft in a Pen court. Police laid a trap and nabbed the duo. Police Inspector Jamil Shaikh said, “The accused had planned to steal money kept in a court locker for court fees paid by litigants. They disclosed the name of the third accused, who was not with them that day.”
During preliminary questioning, the accused allegedly confessed to thefts at five microfinance companies including ₹2.75 lakh in Wadkhal in Raigad district. They said they stole from microfinance companies in Poladpur, Rasayani, Chiplun in Ratnagiri and Kalyan. They also targeted several bungalows in Nagaon, Alibaug and Aachara in Sindhudurg, an HP gas office in Khed and a TV showroom in Dapoli. Originally from Dapoli and Amravati respectively, both accused are residents of Mumbai.
Mr. Shaikh said, "During the day, Mr. Pawar would recce targets, and then sign out from the Ola online system before committing theft with his accomplices. While he would wait in the car, the other two would break in. If questioned about his presence, Mr. Pawar would say he was waiting for a passenger.”
Police have recovered tools used to break in from the car. “In all, the accused have confessed to their role in around 11 crimes. We are hunting for the third accused,” Mr. Shaikh added.