2 Arrested for Robbing Migrant Workers in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Two men arrested for targeting migrant workers, 3 cases solved. Accused used stolen mobiles for online money transfers.

On August 3, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Crime Branch arrested two men, Keshav Dashrath Shete and Rajesh Anil Kumar, for allegedly robbing migrant workers in the Mahalunge MIDC area. The accused would target workers from other states, specifically on Thursdays and Sundays when many factories have weekly holidays.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rohidas Pawar, the case came to light after a worker was intercepted on Mahalunge-Talawade Road near the Mahindra company on July 26. The accused snatched his mobile phone, unlocked it, and transferred Rs 25,000 through a QR code to another mobile phone in their possession.
The police found that the mobile phone used to receive the Google Pay transfer had also been stolen. The accused later withdrew the money from different money transfer shops to avoid being traced through bank records.
During the investigation, Police Sub-Inspector Mayuresh Salunkhe and Police Constable Prashant Said examined CCTV footage from the crime scene and the money transfer shops. Based on the footage, the suspects were identified and arrested.
The duo allegedly confessed to committing the crimes with three other accomplices, who are yet to be arrested. Police said the gang specifically targeted workers from other states, watching for workers walking alone on Thursdays and Sundays.
The gang used the same method in three robbery cases, including two in South Mahalunge MIDC and one in Bhosari MIDC. Police have seized three mobile phones and a motorcycle from the accused.
Shete has 15 theft cases registered against him at various police stations, while Rajesh has two criminal cases registered against him. The arrests have solved three cases of robbery in the area, bringing relief to the migrant worker community.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Crime Branch has been working to crack down on crime in the area, and these arrests are a significant step in that direction. The police are still investigating and are on the lookout for the remaining accomplices.
The incident highlights the need for increased security measures in the area, particularly for migrant workers who are often targeted by criminals. The police are working to raise awareness and prevent such incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the arrests of Keshav Dashrath Shete and Rajesh Anil Kumar are a significant breakthrough in the case, and the police are working to bring the remaining accomplices to justice. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and security in the area, particularly for migrant workers.
Frequently asked questions
What was the modus operandi of the accused?
The accused would target migrant workers, snatch their mobile phones, and force them to transfer money online through QR codes.
How many cases have been solved with the arrests?
The arrests have solved three cases of robbery in the area.