Nagpur: In a major breakthrough, Crime Branch Unit No. 1 of Nagpur Police has solved 23 vehicle theft cases and seized 27 stolen two-wheelers collectively worth ₹16.5 lakh, following the arrest of a habitual vehicle thief.

The investigation stemmed from a complaint registered at MIDC Police Station after a Honda Splendor motorcycle worth ₹30,000 was stolen on January 3, 2026, between 8 pm and 8.30 pm, from near IC Chowk on Hingna Road. The complainant, Shrikant Ganpatrao Walke (55) of Wanadongri, had parked and locked his motorcycle before heading to the market, only to find it stolen on his return.

Based on technical analysis and credible intelligence, Crime Branch Unit-1 traced the accused to Betul district in Madhya Pradesh. After laying a trap for three consecutive days, police apprehended Rahul Sukhchand Khakre alias Thakre (43) from his native village Satner, Aathner taluka, Betul. He is currently residing in Pachpaoli area of Nagpur.

During interrogation, the accused confessed to stealing vehicles not only in the MIDC area but also from multiple police station jurisdictions including Beltarodi, Wathoda, Nandanvan, Koradi, Hudkeshwar, Kapil Nagar, Ganeshpeth, Khaparkheda, Wadi, Pardi, Kalamna, and rural areas of Amravati and Nagpur districts.

Police recovered 27 stolen two-wheelers, including Honda Splendor, Honda Shine and Hero Deluxe motorcycles. The accused has been handed over to MIDC Police for further legal action. Further investigation is underway.

The operation was carried out by PI Dynaneshwar Bhedodkar and his team under the guidance of senior police officials, including the Nagpur Police Commissioner and senior crime branch officers.