15 September,2023 07:40 PM IST | Alibag | mid-day online correspondent
Representative Image/ Pic/iStock
In Alibag town, located in Maharashtra's picturesque Raigad district, local authorities apprehended a woman, Vanita Pradip Waghmare, for her alleged involvement in a theft case. The incident, which transpired at a prominent jewellery shop, saw the disappearance of a valuable gold ring worth Rs 95,000, stated a report in PTI. Police authorities acted swiftly, employing strategic measures to detain the suspect.
Waghmare, hailing from the bustling city of Pune, had executed the theft approximately a week prior to her apprehension, stated the PTI report. Following the theft, the aggrieved jewellery shop owner promptly lodged a formal complaint, invoking the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) under section 380, which pertains to theft.
The investigation into Waghmare's activities began with law enforcement officials gathering information about her movements. A tip-off from another vigilant jeweller in Alibag provided a critical lead. It was reported that Waghmare had reappeared in the town, frequenting yet another jewellery establishment.
Taking immediate action, the police set a trap for the suspect, successfully apprehending her on Thursday. However, the plot thickened as it came to light that Waghmare's husband had played a significant role in aiding and abetting her criminal activities. Consequently, he too was taken into custody.
As the investigation delved deeper into the activities of the apprehended duo, startling revelations emerged. It was uncovered that Waghmare and her husband had engaged in similar thefts in the city of Kolhapur, expanding the scope of their criminal exploits.
The MHB Police, in July, had arrested another habitual offender who would steal mobile phones, bikes and auto-rickshaws for money transfers. The arrested accused, Nabi Alam Usman Khan (30) would steal and then go to a money transfer shop and ask the shopkeeper to send money to his home per requirement. Once the money was transferred, he would tell the shopkeeper he had forgotten money, pawn the stolen item and then abscond on the pretext of bringing cash.
In another case from Virar, a 56-year-old woman was arrested for stealing jewellery and cash from a home. The value of the loot totalled Rs 10 lakhs and she had reportedly handed it over to a history-sheeter. The police had launched a manhunt for him after the woman's arrest.
