Thane: 3 held with 1,000 gelatin sticks, detonators in Bhiwandi

The Thane crime branch Bhiwandi unit have arrested three people and have seized explosive materials including 1000 gelatin sticks and 1000 detonators. The police suspect that the accused due to financial problems robbed the explosive material from a firm, as one of them was working in and was about to sell it.

According to the police, Sachin Gaikwad, senior police inspector, of Unit 2 (Bhiwandi) of Thane crime branch received information. That on February 1, few people are coming in a car to deal explosive material like gelatin and detonators. As per the information the Bhiwandi unit of crime branch laid a trap at 3pm on Tuesday near Nadinaka in front of a police chowki. A car MH 04 FZ 9200 was stopped and intercepted on suspicion.

The police team intercepted the car to find 5 boxes of gelatin containing 200 pieces in one box i.e total 1,000 pieces in 5 boxes worth Rs 20,000. Around 1000 pieces of detonator worth Rs 25,000 and a car worth Rs 4 lakh. Estimating a total of Rs 4.45 lakhs.

With the help of bomb squad and dog squad the explosive material was recovered and kept at safe place.

The police said the arrested accused are identified as Alpesh alias Balya Hiraji Patil 34, Pankaj Chauhan 23 and Samir Ramchandra Vedga 27. All three residents of Vikramghad in Palghar district. "Aplesh use to work with one such firm in Palghar and may have robbed it to come out of financial crisis the three were going through," said an police officer.

A case has been registered at Nizampura police station under section 286 of the Indian penal code and relevant sections of the Explosive substance Act, 1908.

Ashok Morale, additional commissioner of police, crime branch Thane confirmed about the arrest and said, "On the basis of the information our team intercepted them and found the explosive material. They had robbed the explosive materials and were searching for a customer to sell it. When they are caught. We are further investigating to get details and facts in the theft and the accused," added Morale.