Two youths held in Nagpur for six thefts in Butibori, stolen goods worth Rs 6.71 lakh recovered

Unit-1 of the Nagpur Crime Branch has arrested two youths in connection with thefts in the Butibori area. Police recovered stolen property worth about Rs 6.71 lakh from them. Preliminary investigation has pointed to the alleged involvement of both in six thefts.

The accused are Tanmay Ganveer (23) and Harshal Chanekar. Tanmay lives at Bahadura Phata on Umred Road, while Harshal is from Bhivapur. Tanmay works in the events line. Harshal is studying for a B.Com and lives in a rented house in Nagpur.

According to the police investigation, the two got to know each other about two years ago. They are alleged to have committed their first theft together in the Hudkeshwar police station area. The theft did not yield much, but since they were not caught by the police, they were allegedly emboldened and kept committing similar offences.

The two then moved to the outskirts of the city, especially Butibori. They allegedly thought there were fewer CCTV cameras there than in Nagpur city, so it would be easier to avoid identification and arrest. Using this method, the accused are alleged to have committed six thefts in the Butibori area. Despite the repeated offences, they remained out of the investigators' reach for some time.

Breakthrough came from a two-wheeler without a number plate

The breakthrough came when Crime Branch Unit-1 personnel saw Tanmay riding a two-wheeler without a number plate in the Bajaj Nagar area. Finding something amiss, the police stopped and questioned him.

Several details about the alleged thefts emerged during questioning. Tanmay is said to have told police that he and his associate Harshal were involved in six thefts in Butibori. Acting on this information, the Crime Branch traced and arrested Harshal as well.

Expensive habits behind the thefts

According to the police, Tanmay was addicted to MD drugs and online betting, while Harshal had a taste for a high-profile lifestyle. Police said both had girlfriends and liked to travel and go out. It is alleged that the financial condition of their families was not such that their rising expenses and costly habits could be met.

It is alleged that instead of curbing their spending, the two chose theft as an easy way to raise money for their habits, outings and other personal expenses.

After the arrests, Crime Branch Unit-1 handed both accused over to Butibori police for further investigation and legal action. Police are now questioning them. They are trying to find out whether the two are linked to other thefts and whether they committed similar offences in areas outside Butibori.