Pune: A thief who stole eight backup batteries worth ₹1.2 lakh from a society office in Shukrawar Peth has been arrested by Unit 1 of the Crime Branch. The accused, identified as Suraj Namdev Sathe (32), was caught along with the auto-rickshaw used in the crime, bringing the total seizure to ₹1.4 lakh.

The theft took place on February 4 at Ashirwad Apartment in Sathe Colony, Shukrawar Peth, and was initially registered at Khadak Police Station. While the local police were investigating, Unit 1 of the Crime Branch conducted a separate probe.

A breakthrough came when Assistant Police Inspector Krishna Babar and his team analyzed CCTV footage, identifying an auto-rickshaw used in the crime. Acting on a tip-off received by Police Constable Datta Sonawane, the team traced the vehicle to Rajiv Gandhi Vasahat, Hingne Khurd, where Suraj Sathe resided.

While searching the area, officers spotted a man resembling the suspect. When questioned, he identified himself as Suraj Sathe, confirming his involvement in the crime.

During interrogation, Suraj Sathe confessed to stealing the batteries with the help of his wife Vaishali Suraj Sathe and another woman. Police recovered all eight Amaron batteries and the rickshaw used in the crime.

This successful operation was carried out under the guidance of Additional Police Commissioner Shailesh Balkawade, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingle, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ganesh Ingle. The arrest was executed by Senior Police Inspector Shabbir Sayyed, Assistant Police Inspector Krishna Babar, and officers Rahul Makhare, Aniket Babar, Datta Sonawane, Shashikant Darekar, Nilesh Jadhav, Mahesh Bamgude, Abhinav Ladkat, and Mayuri Jadhav.