Nagpur: In a major breakthrough, Nagpur’s Dhantoli police have solved a sensational house burglary case within 24 hours, arresting a ganja-addicted youth who stole valuables worth ₹9.07 lakh from the residence of Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) curator and former Ranji cricketer Praveen Hinganikar.

The main accused, identified as Vishal Patil of Kukde Layout, executed the theft along with two minor accomplices. One minor has been apprehended, while the third accused is still on the run. Police have successfully recovered all the stolen items, including cash, gold ornaments, and luxury watches.

The incident occurred between May 22 and May 25, when Hinganikar was in Pune. The theft was discovered after a domestic helper found the back door open and alerted Hinganikar, who then informed his nephew, Anurag Kulkarni. Upon arrival, Kulkarni found the house ransacked and immediately contacted the police.

Police investigation revealed that the accused broke the main door lock to enter the house. The stolen property included ₹95,000 in cash, several watches, and gold jewelry amounting to ₹9.07 lakh. A thorough review of 35 CCTV footages from the locality led police to identify Patil. Acting swiftly, a team nabbed him and recovered the loot.

A case of house burglary has been registered. Police efforts to apprehend the absconding minor accused are ongoing.