Palghar, Maharashtra: The Crime Branch Unit 3 of Virar Police has successfully cracked a high-value camera equipment theft case and arrested two individuals from Navi Mumbai involved in the crime. The case involved the fraudulent rental and theft of professional shooting gear worth over ₹11 lakh.
Complainant Cheated During Equipment Rental
On July 22, 2025, an unidentified man contacted a Vasai-based complainant under false identity and gained their trust to rent high-end shooting equipment for a day. While traveling together in a car, the accused stopped near Jar Hotel at Virar Phata, pretending to take a break for snacks.
As the complainant stepped into the hotel, the accused fled the scene with the equipment, valued at ₹11,16,900, prompting the complainant to register a case the same evening at Mandvi Police Station under IPC Section 316(2), 3(5).
Crime Branch Launches Technical Probe
Taking serious note of the case, senior officers directed an intensive investigation. The Crime Branch team began technical surveillance and reviewed over 100 CCTV footage clips from Bhiwandi, Thane, and Navi Mumbai areas. They discovered that the accused had used a WagonR car with a fake number plate during the crime.
The breakthrough came on July 28, when two suspects were apprehended from Nerul, Navi Mumbai namely Rudra Shrikant Koli (20) and Vivek Rishikesh Singh (24).
Accused Confess; Car Recovered
Upon interrogation, both confessed to their involvement in the theft. Police also recovered the car used in the crime. Both the accused and the vehicle have been handed over to Mandvi Police Station for further legal proceedings.
