Nagpur: The Crime Branch’s Vehicle Theft Squad has successfully dismantled an interstate gang involved in stealing high-end cars and selling them with forged documents. The police have solved six cases of vehicle theft, apprehended four suspects, and recovered 11 stolen cars worth ₹1.5 crore.
The operation began when the Vehicle Theft Squad received a tip-off about a stolen Hyundai Creta car from Delhi being sold in Nagpur. Acting on this information, the police identified a suspicious car with a fake registration number (MP 04 EE 2026) in the Tehsil area. The investigation revealed that the car’s original registration number was HR 10 AT 3055, and it was registered under HDFC Life Insurance Company. The car’s current user, Shahid Iqbal alias Chintu (39), a resident of Ansar Nagar, was summoned for questioning. Upon interrogation, Shahid confessed to using a fake registration number to conceal the vehicle’s origins.
Further investigation revealed that Shahid, along with his accomplice Saurabh Ashokrao Ahirwar (36), had tampered with the car’s software, replaced its original keys with forged ones, and affixed fake number plates. The duo admitted to stealing vehicles, altering their identification details, and selling them in other states, including Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, and Hyderabad.
The Crime Branch identified the gang’s involvement in nine cases of Creta and Kia car thefts across Nagpur. On October 24, 2024, the gang had stolen six cars from Nagpur alone. The police collaborated with Madhya Pradesh authorities to set up roadblocks, which led to the arrest of two gang members – Ajitsingh Ingo Laishram (38) and Bojendrasinh Shurchandrasinh Laishram (27) from Imphal, Manipur. Three stolen cars, including two Hyundai Cretas, were recovered from their possession.
The police have seized 11 cars worth ₹1.5 crore, including:
• Hyundai Creta (MH 40 CQ 4244) worth ₹15 lakh, stolen from Lakadganj area.
• Hyundai Creta (MH 49 CD 7889) worth ₹20.03 lakh, stolen from Imamwada.
• Hyundai Creta (MH 40 CQ 9599) worth ₹17 lakh, stolen from MIDC area.
The investigation revealed that the accused tampered with vehicle software, created fake FASTags, and transported the vehicles to other states for sale.
This operation was conducted under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal, Joint Commissioner Nisar Tamboli, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Patil, and DCP Rahul Makanikar. The team, led by PI Suhas Chaudhari and PSI Sachin Bhonde, along with the Cyber Cell, played a pivotal role in the investigation. Officers Dipak Rithe, Vilas Kokate, and others from Unit 1 and the Vehicle Theft Squad were also instrumental in the success of the operation.
