Pune Crime News: Police Arrest Thief For Stealing Jewellery And Idols From 11 Temples

A thief who stole valuable jewellery, deity idols, and gold and silver masks from several temples has been successfully apprehended. The Pune Rural Police's Paragaon (Karkhana) police conducted the operation, seizing goods worth four lakh rupees from the accused. Police Superintendent Pankaj Deshmukh revealed that this gang had committed thefts in 11 temples across Pune and Nagar districts.

The arrested thief has been identified as Vinayak Damu Jite (residing in Kanhur Mesai, Taluka Shirur). Superintendent Deshmukh stated that a theft had occurred in a temple within the Paragaon (Karkhana) police jurisdiction. A case was filed, and during the investigation, the police team, led by Police Sub-Inspector Bhausaheb Lokre, along with Constables Amol Wadekar, Sanjay Salve, and Mangesh Abhang, examined CCTV footage related to temple thefts across various police jurisdictions. In one of the footage, suspect Jite was seen committing theft.

Thief's Modus Operandi

With technical surveillance and confidential tips, the police confirmed Jite was a habitual offender. Information received suggested he would be in Shikapur, leading to his capture from Shikrapur. Initially evasive during questioning, Jite eventually confessed to the temple thefts after the police showed him evidence. He was arrested and presented in court, where he was granted police custody.

During further interrogation, Jite admitted to stealing from several temples, including Bhairavnath Jogeshwari Temple in Shingave, Devi Temple in Lakhan village, Hanuman Temple in Mandalevadi, and Bolhai Mata Temple in Jarkarwadi. Additional detailed questioning revealed that he also committed thefts at Shrinath Maskoba Temple in Rautwadi, Vadjai Mata Temple in Kavatemala, Kanher Sar Yamai Old Police Station Temple, Kalubai Temple in Ranjangaon Fandvasti.

Extensive List of Targets

Tukai Mata Devi Temple in Ghodegaon Shindewadi was also among his targets. Other temples included Khandoba Temple and Kalamjai Temple in Kalwaje. Supa Tukai Temple in Ahmednagar district and Wadgaon Parner were also hit by Jite. The Nagar MIDC area saw thefts at Shri Khandoba Temple in Shiv Malhargad Pimpalgaon Mali.

The police have started recovering the stolen items and continue their investigation under the guidance of Superintendent Pankaj Deshmukh, Additional Superintendent of Police Ramesh Chopde, and Sub-Divisional Officer Amol Mandve.