Nagpur: A court in Nagpur has sentenced notorious burglar Naresh Ankalu Mahilange, 34, to six years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹20,000 in a burglary case registered at Lakadganj police station in 2021. The conviction is being attributed to the police team’s scientific investigation, collection of technical evidence and effective prosecution.
The verdict was delivered by the DJ-2 court in Nagpur in Sessions Case No. 6477/2021, arising from Crime No. 15/2021 registered under Sections 380, 457, 411, 413, 414 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Mahilange, a resident of Pujarama Wadi near Deputy Signal under Kalamna police station limits, is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail.
Accused allegedly involved in numerous crimes across Maharashtra
According to the police, Mahilange is a habitual burglar with a long criminal record across Nagpur city, Nagpur rural and several other districts of Maharashtra. The press note initially mentions around 80 cases against him, while its detailed account refers to approximately 120 burglary and offences against the human body. The exact number could not be independently established from the information provided.
Police said the accused allegedly targeted locked houses at night, often committing burglaries at multiple locations before moving to another district or state to evade detection. Cash, gold and silver ornaments and other valuables were reportedly his primary targets.
He has previously faced preventive action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), externment proceedings and the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act. Police also stated that cases were registered against him in districts including Gondia, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Amravati, Akola and Yavatmal, and that he was wanted in some cases.
CCTV footage and scientific evidence prove crucial
During the investigation, the Lakadganj police analysed CCTV footage, technical evidence, a Chemical Analyser (CA) report and other scientific material to build the case against the accused.
Investigators also followed up with witnesses to ensure their presence before the court and presented the collected evidence through the charge sheet and during the trial.
Public prosecutor Advocate Sai Khedkar represented the prosecution. The court convicted Mahilange and sentenced him to six years in prison, along with the ₹20,000 fine.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of senior Nagpur police officials, with Senior Police Inspector Mukund Kawade and Assistant Police Inspector Rajendra Sanap among those involved in the investigation.
The Nagpur police have urged citizens to report suspicious activities and burglary incidents promptly by contacting the emergency helpline 112.
