A trip from Madhya Pradesh to Chhattisgarh to meet a girlfriend ended with a 28-year-old man in police custody after a series of vehicle thefts in Raigarh. Police say CCTV footage from different locations helped connect the same suspect to five theft cases.
The accused, identified as Nirmal Dhakad from Morar in Gwalior district, was arrested on 24 September. Police later recovered five stolen two-wheelers based on information provided during questioning.
From Gwalior To Raigarh
According to Raigarh police, Dhakad arrived in the city from Gwalior on 12 September to meet his female friend.
Police said he later ran out of money. Investigators allege that he then began stealing motorcycles and scooters to meet his expenses.
The police account says Dhakad targeted vehicles that had been left with their keys in the ignition. After taking one, he allegedly used it until its fuel ran out before abandoning it and looking for another vehicle.
How Did It Come To Light?
CCTV footage helped Raigarh's Kotwali police connect a suspect to five vehicle theft cases across the city.
On 24 September, police received a tip-off about a young man allegedly trying to steal a motorcycle near a Gaushala. A team reached the spot, but the suspect fled.
After local residents identified him from a photograph, officers searched the area and later spotted him near the wireless set in Police Colony. Police said he tried to escape again but was caught after a chase.
Who Is The Accused?
Police identified the arrested man as Nirmal Dhakad, 28, a resident of Morar in Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh.
Police say he had travelled to Raigarh on 12 September to meet his female friend. During questioning, he allegedly told investigators that his money had run out after reaching the city.
Police attributed the subsequent thefts to his need to meet his expenses. This is the police's account of his stated reason, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.
Five Vehicles Recovered
Police said Dhakad's information led to the recovery of four motorcycles and one scooter, with an estimated combined value of around Rs. 2.50 lakh.
The recovered vehicles were linked to five vehicle theft cases registered at the Kotwali police station, according to police.
The reports also describe a specific pattern alleged by investigators: vehicles were selected when their keys had been left in the ignition, and a stolen vehicle was allegedly abandoned after its fuel ran out.
What Happened After The Arrest?
After his arrest, Dhakad was produced before a court on judicial remand. He was subsequently sent to jail, according to the police account reported by India Today.
The police investigation has linked him to five vehicle theft cases. The recovered vehicles are being connected with the respective cases as part of the investigation.
The case, therefore, moved from a series of separate bike theft complaints to a single police investigation after CCTV footage and a tip-off helped investigators identify and apprehend the suspect.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
What happened in Raigarh?
Police arrested a 28-year-old Gwalior man in connection with five vehicle theft cases.
Who was arrested?
Police identified him as Nirmal Dhakad, a resident of Morar in Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh.
Why did police say he stole the vehicles?
According to police, Dhakad came to Raigarh on 12 September to meet his female friend and allegedly began stealing vehicles after running out of money.
How was he caught?
Police said CCTV footage linked the same suspect to five theft incidents. A tip-off about an alleged theft attempt on 24 September led officers to him.
What was recovered?
Police recovered four motorcycles and one scooter, worth around Rs. 2.50 lakh in total.
What happened after his arrest?
He was produced before a court on judicial remand and was subsequently sent to jail, according to police.
