Nagpur: The Crime Branch Vehicle Theft Prevention Unit successfully solved a car theft case within 72 hours, arresting a key accused and recovering property worth ₹5.5 lakh, including the stolen Maruti Brezza.

The theft occurred on February 24 when complainant Ganesh Gadikar discovered that his red Brezza (MH 32 AS 4465), parked outside his residence in Chandmari Nagar, had been stolen by an unknown person. Wathoda Police registered a case immediately.

Using technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, the Crime Branch traced the vehicle and intercepted it in the Sonegaon area on February 27. The driver, Mridang alias Mrunal Sorde (36), confessed to committing the theft with his accomplice Ashish Ishwar Kamble, who is wanted in multiple cases.

Police recovered the Brezza worth ₹5,00,000 and seized an Activa scooter valued at ₹50,000 that was used during the crime.

The accused has been handed over to Wathoda Police for further investigation.

The operation was executed under the supervision of senior officers including Additional CP Vasant Pardeshi, DCP Rahul Makanikar, and ACP Abhijeet Patil.