Pune News: Robbers throw chilli powder on senior citizen and flees with Rs 27 lakh

By: Pune Pulse

November 30, 2023

Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Police has arrested five individuals for allegedly robbing a senior citizen of a staggering amount of Rs 27,25,800 using chilli powder.

The incident took place near Yamuna Nagar in Nigdi on November 14, where the victim, Prakash Bhikchand Lodha (68) from Nigdi Pradhikaran, fell prey to the merciless attack.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Vishal Sahebrao Jagtap, Lalbabu Bajilal Jaiswal, Javed Akbar Kazi, Abhishek Dayanand Bodke, and Direndea Singh Aswani, all of whom were taken into custody after Nigdi Police registered a case.

According to police reports, Lodha was carrying the substantial sum for a money transfer purpose when he was accosted by two unknown motorcycle riders near the Yamuna Nagar area in Nigdi. The assailants initially assaulted him and then, shockingly, used chilli powder on his face to disorient and incapacitate him. Seizing the opportunity, they snatched the cash bag from Lodha and hastily fled the scene.

Swift action by the crime branch unit of Pimpri Chinchwad led to the formation of five to six teams to investigate the matter. Through a meticulous analysis of CCTV footage and call recordings, the police successfully identified the accused and apprehended them.

In the course of the arrests, the police managed to recover a sum of Rs 11,35,400 from the accused. Further investigations revealed that the perpetrators had utilized the remaining amount to settle existing loans, clear credit card bills, and make various purchases, including gold jewellery, mobile phones, and clothing.

The Pimpri Chinchwad police have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure justice for the victim identified as Prakash Bhikchand Lodha and to ensure strict punishment for the perpetrators.