Pune, 23 January 2026: Kondhwa Police have arrested a five-member gang involved in robbing young men after trapping them through dating apps. The accused allegedly gained victims’ trust online, called them for late-night meetings, and then threatened them to extort money and valuables.
According to the police, the accused contacted a young man through a dating app on January 11 and asked him to meet at night. During the meeting, the gang threatened him with a machete, snatched his mobile phone and jewellery, and forced him to withdraw cash from an ATM.
A case has been registered at Kondhwa Police Station. The arrested accused have been identified as Rohil Aqeel Shaikh (19), Nuhan Naim Shaikh (18), Shahid Shahanur Momin (25), Ishan Nisar Shaikh (25), and Wahid Dastagir Shaikh (18), all residents of Kondhwa and nearby areas.
Police traced the accused using CCTV footage, mobile call records and technical analysis. Based on specific information received by police personnel Pushpendra Chavan and Suhas More, the suspects were arrested from the Kondhwa area.
During the investigation, police recovered three mobile phones, a machete used in the crime, and two two-wheelers. Further inquiry revealed that the same gang had committed similar offences at two other locations, for which separate cases have been registered.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior police officers, including the Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and senior officials of Kondhwa Police Station.
Police have appealed to citizens, especially young users, to remain cautious while interacting with strangers on social media and dating applications.