Pune: Wanowrie Police Bust Gang Stealing Batteries From Traffic Signal Control Boxes
Pune: Wanowrie Police Bust Gang Stealing Batteries From Traffic Signal Control Boxes
Pune, January 31, 2026: Wanowrie Police have arrested a gang involved in stealing batteries from traffic signal controller boxes at major junctions across Pune city. The accused were nabbed following an investigation into repeated thefts that had disrupted traffic signal operations at several busy intersections.
The arrested accused have been identified as Deepak Amol Kamble (32, Ramtekdi), Chand Usman Sheikh (28), Vikas alias Taklya Vijay Mane (36, residing on the footpath near Aurora Towers, Camp), and Ali Mulla Sheikh (27, Bhagyoday Nagar, near Bhairavnath Temple, Kondhwa).
Police have recovered 34 batteries worth ₹68,000, along with an auto-rickshaw and an iron cutting tool. The total value of the seized property is estimated at ₹1,68,100. All four accused have been arrested and produced before the court.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to stealing batteries from traffic signal control boxes located at Kalubai Chowk, AFMC Chowk, Race Course Chowk, B.T. Kawade Chowk, Shastrinagar, Sandal Baba Chowk, Dhobi Ghat Chowk, and City Pride/Pushpamangal Chowk.
The action was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 05) Rajlaxmi Shivankar, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Wanowrie Division) Namrata Desai, Senior Police Inspector Bhausaheb Patil, and Crime Inspector Sangita Jadhav. The investigation and arrests were executed by Assistant Police Inspector Umakant Mahadik, Police Sub-Inspector Alfaz Sheikh, and a dedicated team of police personnel.
