Pune: A notorious criminal involved in the theft of UPS units and batteries from CCTV cameras installed in public areas has been arrested by Sant Tukaram Nagar Police. Authorities have recovered stolen goods worth ₹5.98 lakh, including 17 batteries, 21 UPS units, and a two-wheeler.

The accused, Buddhabhushan Pravin Dongre, a resident of Gharkul, Chikhali, had been targeting CCTV systems across Pimpri-Chinchwad. His activities came to light when Police Constable Javed Mujawar received a tip-off about Dongre's plans to sell stolen equipment near BRT Road in Chinchwad.

Acting on this information, a special police team laid a trap behind the Kala Group Company in Chinchwad MIDC. When Dongre arrived at the bus stop on a two-wheeler, he was apprehended by the police.

Initially, he gave vague responses, but upon searching his belongings, officers found two UPS units and four expired batteries. Further inquiries confirmed that a case was already registered against him at Sant Tukaram Nagar Police Station.

Following his arrest, police intensified their investigation, leading to the seizure of additional stolen goods worth ₹5.98 lakh, including 17 batteries, 21 UPS units and one two-wheeler. Moreover, the police uncovered three more theft cases registered against him at Sant Tukaram Nagar Police Station, MIDC Bhosari Police Station, and Kalewadi Police Station.

The successful operation was conducted under the guidance of Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner Vasant Paradeshi, Deputy Commissioner Swapna Gore, Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Hire.

The investigation and arrest were carried out by Senior Police Inspector Gorakh Kumbhar, Police Sub-Inspector Shakir Jinedi, Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Deepak Mahajan, Constables Swapnil Warde, Santosh Rajput, Javed Mujawar, Bhagwat Gaikwad, and Anil Wagh.