Nagpur: In a major breakthrough, Unit-5 of the Nagpur Crime Branch has arrested two vehicle thieves and cracked nine cases of theft and burglary across the city and nearby districts.

Complainant Damodar Vanjari (63), resident of Garoba Maidan, Lakadganj, had reported his Honda Activa (MH 49 Y 2695), worth ₹15,000, stolen between June 20 and 21 from outside his residence. A case under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at Lakadganj Police Station.

During technical investigation, Crime Branch officers apprehended Irfan Hameed Shaikh (23), resident of Hudkeshwar, Nagpur, and Sheikh Shohel alias Lala Sheikh Jabir (21), resident of Hinganghat, Wardha. On interrogation, the duo confessed not only to the Lakadganj theft but also to committing eight other crimes—including thefts in Sakkardara (1), Ajni (1), Dhantoli (1), Hudkeshwar (2), Nandanvan (1), Bhandara (1), and a housebreaking in Hudkeshwar.

Police seized seven stolen Activa scooters, three gas cylinders, a tablet, a mobile phone, and ₹3,600 cash, collectively worth ₹1.97 lakh. Both accused have been handed over to Lakadganj Police for further investigation.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Ravindra Kumar Singhal, Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, Addl CP (Crime) Vasant Pardeshi, DCP (Detection) Rahul Makanikar, and ACP (Crime) Abhijit Patil, led by PI Sandeep Buwa and his team.