Mango Theft in Pune: 33 Crates Worth Over ₹1 Lakh Stolen From Katraj Kondhwa Road Shop
Mango Theft in Pune: 33 Crates Worth Over ₹1 Lakh Stolen From Katraj Kondhwa Road Shop
Pune, April 15, 2026: A major theft incident has been reported from the Kondhwa Budruk area of Pune, where unidentified thieves stole 33 crates of mangoes worth over ₹1 lakh from a roadside shop in Yewalewadi, triggering concern among local fruit vendors.
With the onset of summer, demand for mangoes often referred to as the “king of fruits” has surged. However, this year’s unseasonal rains have impacted production, leading to higher prices. Amid rising costs, such thefts have added to the worries of traders.
According to information received, the theft took place between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on April 11. The shop was set up along the Katraj-Kondhwa Road near a well-known hotel. The trader had arranged a temporary cloth shelter to store the mango stock securely in the open space.
Taking advantage of the quiet hours, the thieves reportedly entered the premises from the rear side. They tore through the cloth covering and managed to steal all 33 crates, valued at approximately ₹1.08 lakh, before fleeing the spot.
This is reportedly the second such theft at the same location, raising serious concerns among local vendors. Repeated incidents have created an atmosphere of fear, with traders suspecting that the thefts may involve individuals familiar with the area or those who had been monitoring the shop.
A complaint has been lodged at the Yewalewadi police outpost, and a case has been registered against unknown persons. Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from nearby hotels and the main road to identify the culprits.
Authorities are also probing whether the theft was carried out by an organised gang or local offenders. With mango prices already soaring in the market, the incident has drawn significant attention, and traders are urging increased vigilance.
Police officials are working to trace the accused, as concerns grow over the safety of goods in open market setups across the city.
