Pune: Shivajinagar Police have arrested a man for stealing religious brass and copper items from a Ganesh Mandal pavilion in Shivajinagar Gaothan. The accused, identified as 46-year-old Sachin Digambar Varhade, allegedly stole items including a brass Pancharti (lamp), Tamhan (plate), and Gadva (pot) valued at ₹5,500.

The theft took place between 9:15 PM on September 15 and 9:30 AM on September 16 at the Ganesh Mandal in Ganpati Chowk, Shivajinagar Gaothan. Pranav Memane, a 25-year-old local resident, filed a complaint at the Shivajinagar Police Station, prompting an investigation.

After reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area, the police used technical analysis to trace and apprehend Varhade. He was found in possession of the stolen items and taken into custody. The case is currently being investigated by Police Officer Jadhav.

This theft has raised concerns among local residents and devotees, as the stolen items were of religious significance and used in the Ganesh festival celebrations.

Pune police had recently apprehended a 19-year-old man and his juvenile accomplice in connection with a series of temple donation box thefts across the city.

The suspect arrested by the Crime Branch after an investigation linked him to at least four incidents of breaking into temple donation boxes, including the theft at Sant Tukaram Maharaj Paduka Mandir in Shivajinagar area. His juvenile accomplice has also been detained.