A 28-year-old peon, Datta Kamble, was arrested in connection with the theft of 2.1 crore rupees and 2.7 kg of gold jewelry from a cooperative bank in Dharavi. Police apprehended him from a slum in Nagpur with the help of 22 sex workers.
Nagpur: The major theft that occurred at the Tuljapur branch of Lokmangal Multistate Cooperative Society in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district has been uncovered. Police arrested peon Datta Kamble (28), who had stolen approximately 34.6 lakh rupees in cash and 2.7 kg of gold jewelry on August 3.
Kamble remained hidden in several places after the theft and was eventually apprehended in a slum area of Nagpur city. Police stated that 22 sex workers provided significant assistance in his arrest.
Theft Causes Fear and Panic Among Local Farmers
The biggest impact of the theft was on local farmers. The jewelry and cash mostly comprised small ornaments pawned by farmers, which they had deposited with the bank to obtain loans. Deep concern and panic spread among the farmers after the theft.
Superintendent of Police Ritu Khokhar stated that tracing the theft was a priority as it involved the common public's savings. Farmers who were victims of the theft faced financial and mental distress.
Police Formed a Special Team
Considering the seriousness of the theft, teams from LCB, local police, and EOW were deployed. Analyzing CCTV footage and technical data, the police found that Kamble had been working as a contractual employee for three years and had full access to the lockers.
The investigation also revealed that he had gained the trust of senior officials and managed the cash and jewelry. Police stated that the accused had meticulously planned his escape.
Arrest with the Help of Sex Workers
LCB Inspector Vinod Ijjapwar stated that the accused used to visit sex workers in various cities. Police contacted these women and sought their cooperation. When Kamble visited one of them, she quietly informed the police.
Subsequently, the police team immediately arrived at the spot, arrested the accused, and brought him to Tuljapur Police Station. During interrogation, Kamble confessed to the theft, and 11 lakh rupees in cash and 2.1 kg of gold jewelry were recovered from him.
