Pune Ganpati Visarjan: 11 Arrested, 63 Mobile Phones Seized by Shivajinagar Police
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 26th September 2026: Shivajinagar police arrested 11 people and seized 63 mobile phones, a Chevrolet Cruze car and suspected weapons during the Ganpati immersion procession in Pune early Saturday.
According to information provided by Senior Police Inspector Girishkumar Dighavkar, large crowds had gathered to watch the procession along Jangli Maharaj Road, Fergusson College Road, Jhansi Rani Chowk, the Pune Municipal Corporation area and Laxmi Road.
Police Sub-Inspector Arvind Shinde, attached to the Shivajinagar police detection branch, received information that a group of seven to eight people carrying weapons had gathered near the riverbed adjoining Khude Bridge and was allegedly planning to commit a robbery, police said.
Following instructions from Senior Inspector Dighavkar, Police Inspector (Crime) Amar Kalange, PSI Arvind Shinde and PSI Manisha Valse, along with other personnel, launched an operation. The police team began the operation at around 5:15 am and detained 11 suspects at approximately 6:50 am, according to a police press note.
Inspector Dighavkar said they recovered 63 mobile phones of different brands, a Chevrolet Cruze, two knives, a cutter and red chilli powder from the suspects. The seized property was collectively valued at ₹30,57,050.
According to Inspector Dighavkar, the suspects allegedly took advantage of the heavy crowds during the Ganpati immersion procession to steal mobile phones from devotees.
A case was registered at Shivajinagar police station as Crime No. 253/2026 under Sections 310(4), 310(2) and 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sections 4 and 25 of the Arms Act, and Sections 37(1)(3) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act. PSI Arvind Shinde is conducting the investigation.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Additional Commissioner of Police Rajesh Bansode, DCP (Zone 1) Krushikesh Rawale and Vishrambaug Division ACP Anuja Deshmane.
Senior Inspector Girishkumar Dighavkar supervised the police-station-level operation. The team included PI Amar Kalange, PSI Arvind Shinde, PSI Manisha Valse and Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Pradeep Khaladkar.
Police personnel Ganesh Chobe, Tejas Chopade, Bide, Valkoli, Ganesh Jadhav, Savake, Wagh, Bedwal, Bhosale, Chopade and Yesanpure also participated in the operation.
