Nagpur: The Crime Branch of Nagpur Police has successfully dismantled a gang of teenagers engaged in a series of vehicle thefts and robberies, shedding light on the harsh reality of juvenile delinquency stemming from various socio-economic challenges including the absence of parental guidance, financial struggles, and limited access to education.
After thorough investigation and surveillance, Nagpur Police apprehended seven members of the gang, including five juveniles, and cracked around 15 cases of robberies and thefts. The gang members, hailing from marginalized backgrounds, were found to be living on the fringes of society, away from their familial homes.
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Sat 23 Dec. 2024
One prominent member, a 17-year-old resident of Kachipura, discontinued his education after Class 8 and played a significant role in orchestrating the gang’s activities. Establishing a makeshift residence in the Pandhrabodi locality of Nagpur, the gang rented a room where they congregated periodically, contributing financially towards its upkeep.
Among the apprehended individuals, Pravin Ramratan Sharma (19) was identified as the sole adult member, indicating that the group predominantly comprised minors. Most members had discontinued formal education after Class 8 or 9 due to financial constraints, hindering their prospects for gainful employment.
Modus operandi:
Facing economic hardships, the gang resorted to pilfering construction materials for sale to scrap dealers as a means of subsistence. However, their aspirations for motorized transportation led them to target parked motorcycles near public gardens. Employing a modus operandi involving the acquisition of keys from scrap dealers, they systematically attempted to unlock parked motorcycles until successful.
Their criminal spree escalated following the successful theft of an Activa moped, culminating in the theft of eight motorcycles. The stolen vehicles facilitated their unrestricted movement throughout the city, particularly in areas such as Futala Lake.
The gang’s criminal endeavours came to an abrupt halt following the theft of a Bajaj Platina two-wheeler belonging to Anil Shankar Bhave (54). Prompt action by the police, aided by CCTV footage, resulted in the swift detention of the entire gang, effectively putting an end to their illicit activities.
Interrogations revealed the harsh realities faced by the minors, including familial discord, financial instability, and limited educational opportunities. Forced to seek employment at a young age, they found themselves ensnared in a cycle of poverty and crime, exacerbated by their association with delinquent peer groups.
During questioning, the minors revealed a stark reality of their lives. Because they were very poor and didn’t get a good education, they started working at a minor age that was not good and got involved with the wrong group of friends. Since they couldn’t go to school, they took up small jobs at pan shops and food stalls. But the little money they earned wasn’t enough, so they ended up stealing things to make more money quickly.
According to media reports, during the investigation, police cracked 15 cases, including 11 vehicle thefts, two burglaries, one robbery and a dacoity. Police have recovered five two-wheelers, seven mobiles and other items from the gang. The gang was planning to sell these items. More cases are likely to be detected during further questioning.
Under the guidance of DCP Detection Nimit Goyal, the arrest was made by PI Gajanan Tamte, API Gajanan Chambhare, and staff including Pravin Shelke, Kamlesh Ganer, Gajanan Kubde, Mahendra Sadmake, and Sandeep.
