PUNE: Swargate Police arrested a burglar who disguised himself as a delivery boy to scout locked apartments for theft. Two accomplices, including a notorious criminal and a jeweler, were also arrested. Authorities seized stolen goods worth ₹80 lakh, including 860 grams of gold, 3.5 kg of silver, 150 diamonds, two pistols, and five cartridges.

The prime suspect, Ganesh Maruti Kathewade (37), was arrested alongside accomplices Suresh Baban Pawar (35), a seasoned criminal, and jeweler Bhimsingh alias Ajay Karansingh Rajput (39).

Investigative Breakthrough
Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil stated during a press conference that police cracked the case after reviewing footage from nearly 1,700 CCTV cameras. A blurry image of Kathewade led the investigation team to identify him.

Kathewade was apprehended in Undri’s Amit Colori society following a tip-off. During questioning, he admitted to committing 14 burglaries across various societies in Pune while disguised as a delivery worker. He also confessed to stealing valuables from passengers near the Swargate bus stand in seven separate incidents.

Role of Accomplices
Kathewade sold the stolen items to Suresh Pawar, who had previously been booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA). Pawar then sold the stolen valuables with the assistance of jeweler Bhimsingh Rajput.

Pawar, a former deputy sarpanch of Ambadwet village in Mulshi, has a criminal record that includes charges of murder and attempted murder. Police also recovered two pistols and five cartridges from his possession.

Commendable Police Effort
The investigation was led by Senior Inspector Yuvraj Nandre of Swargate Police Station, with assistance from a team of officers and police friends who played a crucial role in apprehending the culprits.

This operation highlights the police’s relentless efforts to combat organized crime and ensure the safety of Pune’s residents.