Pune: Key Accused Who Deceived Pimpri-Chinchwad Police for 4 Months in Dubai-Bound Red Sandalwood Smuggling Case Finally Arrested
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 12th July 2025: After four months of evading the authorities, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have finally arrested the prime accused in a red sandalwood smuggling case involving a Dubai-bound consignment. The red sandalwood was being transported from southern Karnataka to Navi Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) when it was intercepted by the police within Shirgaon Police Station limits on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway on 2nd March.
The Anti-Property Crime Cell had seized red sandalwood worth Rs 9 crore near the Urse Toll Plaza. Initially, two accused were arrested, followed by two more. Now, the main perpetrator behind the smuggling operation has been apprehended from Navi Mumbai, along with his close aide.
The arrested accused has been identified as Rajendra Vitthal Shinde (43), a resident of Navi Mumbai. His accomplice, Tausif Jamadar, also from Navi Mumbai, has been taken into custody as well.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr. Shivaji Pawar confirmed that six people have been arrested in connection with the case so far. Shinde had been on the run since the FIR was registered, and a warrant had been issued against him. Acting on a tip-off about his presence in Nerul, Mumbai, police conducted a raid in the early hours of 10th July and apprehended him.
During interrogation, Shinde disclosed the whereabouts of Jamadar, who had been living under a fake identity, Kalpesh Singh. Jamadar was arrested from Navi Mumbai on Friday. Both accused were produced in court and have been remanded to police custody until 15th July.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner Sarang Awhad, DCP Dr. Shivaji Pawar, and ACP (Crime I) Dr. Vishal Hire. The Anti-Property Crime Cell team, led by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Dhamal, carried out the investigation and arrests.
