Mumbai: CCTV catches two lifting 150-kg manhole cover!

Raju Zainuddin Khan and Mangal Gaikwad, arrested by police for allegedly stealing multiple manhole covers in the Ghatkopar vicinity; (extreme right) Rahul Soni, a 20-year-old scrap dealer from Saki Naka

An incident of daylight theft involving a rickshaw driver and a woman accomplice has come to light in Mumbai's Pant Nagar area. The duo was arrested by the Pant Nagar Police on Tuesday for allegedly stealing multiple manhole covers in the Ghatkopar vicinity. The case came to light after a complaint was lodged by the BMC. The police have recovered three manhole covers, which were sold to the scrap dealer.

Upon receiving the complaint, the Pant Nagar Police swung into action, promptly visiting the scene. The investigation revealed that a woman, along with an auto driver, was caught on surveillance cameras lifting a manhole cover near Dhan Laxmi Building in the Pant Nagar area.

Subsequently, Pant Nagar Police station officials reached the spot to assess the situation. CCTV footage provided critical evidence, showing a man and a woman disembarking from a rickshaw and making a swift escape after stealing a manhole cover that weighed around 150 kilogrammes. Following an inspection of various CCTV cameras, including both government and private ones, the licence plate number MH-03-BY-4917 was linked to the rickshaw involved. However, efforts to contact the rickshaw owner proved unfruitful.

Further probing led the police department to liaise with the RTO to trace the rickshaw's details. This trail led them from Pant Nagar to Ghatkopar West and Chembur, where the missing rickshaw was eventually located. Under questioning, the rickshaw driver confessed to the crime, implicating himself and his female accomplice, Mangal Gaikwad, aged 40.

Also read: Mumbai: Gold theft suspect apprehended after three-year pursuit

The rickshaw driver, Raju Zainuddin Khan, 28, and his female accomplice, Gaikwad, were apprehended in connection with the theft. Both suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime. They now face charges under section 379 of the IPC. The incident was initially reported to the police on August 25, with the incident itself occurring on August 24. Recent reports from BMC officials have assured the BMC commissioner that all manholes in the city remain covered. However, concerns remain over potential future cases of theft, prompting heightened vigilance.

A 20-year-old scrap dealer from Saki Naka identified as Rahul Soni is also arrested by Pant Nagar Police for allegedly purchasing the stolen manhole covers. "So far three arrests have been made in the case and further links are being investigated," said Ravidatta Sawant, senior police inspector. Three manhole covers have been recovered from the scrap dealer. The scrap dealer used to pay Rs 1,000 per manhole cover to the lady accused who shared the amount with the auto driver. The female accused collects garbage in her area; she thought selling manhole covers would help her make extra money.