Khandwa: Two Alleged Vehicle Thieves Held, 61 Stolen Bikes Recovered; Deluxe and Shine Models Targeted

Police in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, have busted a vehicle theft gang. Two accused were arrested and, on their pointing out, 61 stolen motorcycles were recovered. The recovered bikes are estimated to be worth about Rs 30 lakh.

The motorcycles were stolen not only from Khandwa but from several districts of Madhya Pradesh and different parts of Maharashtra. The gang targeted Deluxe and Shine bikes.

Rising vehicle thefts had been a challenge for Khandwa police. On the instructions of Superintendent of Police Agam Jain, a joint team of Kotwali police and the cyber cell began connecting the cases. The team went through CCTV footage, gathered technical evidence and kept suspects under surveillance.

During vehicle checking, police detained two suspects. They were identified as Vishal Rathore, a resident of Bhikangaon, and Bablu Barela, a resident of Sendhwa. According to police, questioning revealed a large vehicle theft network. Acting on the accused's pointing out, police recovered stolen motorcycles one after another.

Police said the bikes were stolen from Khargone, Barwani, Dhar, Indore, Ratlam and Dewas in Madhya Pradesh, besides Khandwa and different districts of Maharashtra. Seven of the recovered motorcycles are from Khandwa district. The network spread across several districts and the inter-state border.

The accused did not sell the bikes immediately after stealing them, police said. The stolen motorcycles were hidden in forests and deserted areas. When their number grew, buyers were sought. Depending on demand, the bikes were sold as complete motorcycles, as scrap or as separate parts.

According to police, Vishal Rathore is a highly skilled vehicle thief who could break the lock of a two-wheeler and steal it in about three minutes. Eleven cases are registered against him at different police stations in Madhya Pradesh. His associate Bablu Barela has two cases registered against him.

Both accused have been arrested and are being produced in court. Police are preparing to seek their remand. Police expect questioning to reveal more vehicle thefts, and are trying to reach other members of the gang and the network that bought and sold the stolen bikes.

The recovery of 61 bikes shows this was no small-time theft. A large vehicle theft network spread across several districts has landed in police hands.