Thefts During Palkhi Ceremony: Pune Police Recover Gold, Phones Worth Rs 24 Lakh
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 24th June 2025: As lakhs of Warkaris filled the streets of Pune last week to seek darshan of the revered palkhis of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, a different kind of procession was taking place behind the scenes — one involving a network of thieves exploiting the spiritual fervor to commit a series of mobile phone and gold ornament thefts. But thanks to swift police action, the gang behind these crimes has now been caught.
In a significant breakthrough, the Crime Branch of Pune Police has arrested seven accused, including women, who were found to be part of an interstate and interdistrict gang that targeted women and pilgrims during the Palkhi ceremony June 20 and 21. The arrests were made while the palkhis were stationed in Pune as part of their annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur.
Criminal Operation Amidst Devotion
Lakhs of devotees gather every year for the Sant Palkhi procession — a centuries-old tradition of spiritual unity and devotion. However, amidst the sea of saffron and soul-stirring chants, criminals often exploit the crowd for pickpocketing and snatching incidents.
This year was no exception. The accused — identified as Chandani Shakti Kamble (32), Ganga Namdev Kamble alias Rita (35), Babita Suraj Upadhye (57), Pooja Dhiraj Kamble (35), and Ganesh Vilas Jadhav (30) — were arrested after an intelligence-led operation by the Crime Branch.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Deshmukh, “We had anticipated such incidents given the large turnout. Special teams were deployed in plain clothes. Based on tip-offs and surveillance, we detained several suspects and recovered stolen goods worth nearly ₹24 lakh.”
The investigation also led to the apprehension of two more individuals involved in mobile theft — Arbaaz Naushad Sheikh (19) and a minor aged 17, who were found in possession of 14 mobile phones of various makes, worth around ₹4.5 lakh.
Recovery Worth ₹23.91 Lakh
The seized property includes:
Gold mangalsutra and mini ganthan worth ₹19.41 lakh (22.5 tola gold)
14 mobile handsets valued at ₹4.5 lakh
These items were stolen primarily from women devotees during the chaotic moments of darshan near the palkhis. Police suspect the gang was operating in a coordinated manner, blending into the crowd and selecting vulnerable targets.
Call for Victims to Come Forward
The police have urged citizens who lost valuables — especially mobile phones or gold jewelry — during the Palkhi event to approach Hadapsar Police Station or Wanowrie Police Station with identification and proof of ownership.
Minors Among the Suspects
In a related operation on June 20, the Vishrantwadi unit of the Crime Branch detained 25 suspects based on suspicious movements. Out of these, 18 adults were booked under relevant sections, while seven minors were handed over to their parents after due documentation and counseling.
The said action was carried out under the instructions and guidance of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Deshmukh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingle and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime-2) Rajendra Mulik.
The team included Police Inspector Wahid Pathan, Police Inspector Sanjay Patange, Assistant Police Inspector Madan Kamble from Unit 05 and Unit 06 Crime Branch, police personnel Rajas Sheikh, Nitin Mundhe, Kanifnath Karkhile, Pratap Gaikwad, Vinod Shivle, Pallavi More, Swati Tupe, Balasaheb Sakte, Akbar Sheikh, Shekhar Kate, Hrishikesh Vyavare, Hrishikesh Takawane, Sachin Pawar, Kirti Mandale, Pratiksha Pansare, Nilesh Salve, Suhas Dongre, Vaishali Ingle, Jyoti Mulka, Vaishali Khedekar, Sarang Dale, Nirnay Lande and Javed Sheikh.
