Pune: Siblings’ Bravery Foils Armed Burglary At Manchar Gold Shop, Five Thieves Arrested

Mubarak Ansari

Pune/Manchar, 8th November 2023: In a daring attempt, seven armed thieves targeted the Uttambhagya gold and silver shop in the bustling market of Manchar town in the early hours of Wednesday (8th November). Climbing through the roof of the third floor, the thieves managed to loot gold, silver ornaments, and cash worth six and a half lakh rupees.

However, the resilient response of siblings Yash Samaddiya (21) and Jaina Samaddiya (17) disrupted the burglary. The quick thinking and courageous actions of the siblings led to them shouting and resisting the thieves. Their cries for help attracted the attention of nearby citizens and prompted a swift response from the Manchar police.

The timely intervention resulted in the apprehension of five thieves caught red-handed, while two others managed to escape in the darkness. Manchar police are actively pursuing leads to locate and apprehend the fugitives.

The targeted shop, owned by Abhijit Samaddiya, witnessed a meticulously planned entry by the thieves. Climbing the drainage pipe, the perpetrators reached the roof of the third floor, broke through a door, and descended directly into the store below. The entire incident, including the theft of 18 kg 700 grams of silver ornaments, five tolas of gold, and cash, was captured on CCTV cameras—albeit with the cameras turned aside.

The siblings, Yash and Jaina, exhibited remarkable bravery during the ordeal. Awakened by the commotion, shop owner Abhijit’s son Yash confronted the thieves, sustaining injuries in the process. Jaina, on the other hand, fought back by kicking one of the intruders and biting them when they attempted to silence her.

The siblings were then confined to the room of their elderly grandmother, Lalita (72). In an attempt to coerce information about the safe’s keys, the thieves interrogated Lalita, who bravely asserted that she was unaware, having returned to the village that day.

Abhijit, alerted by the screams, viewed the CCTV footage on a mobile device and discovered that the siblings were missing. Suspecting foul play, he immediately contacted Mahaveer Sancheti, Girish Samaddiya, and Niraj Samaddiya.

Sancheti promptly informed the Manchar police, leading to the arrival of a team headed by Police Inspector Balwant Mandge, Police Sub-Inspector Someshwar Shete, and several policemen. The swift action by both the police and concerned citizens resulted in the apprehension of five thieves on the roof, while the search for the remaining two is ongoing.

The police have identified the arrested individuals as Vaibhav Balu Rokade (24), Ganesh Ramchandra Toke (26), Ajay Ghise (23), Gyansingh Verma (23), and Mohammad Darji (23). A recovery of six lakhs and fifty thousand rupees has been made from the thieves. Two thieves are believed to be residing in the Manchar city area, while others have connections in Mumbai, Murmad, and Uttar Pradesh.

A comprehensive investigation has been initiated to determine the thieves’ previous activities, their local connections, and any potential involvement with other criminals in the area.

Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Ankit Goyal and Additional Superintendent of Police Mitesh Gatte have commended the efforts of the Manchar police team and citizens for their quick and effective response.

The seized items from the thieves include a gas cutter, pistol, and other equipments.