Thane Crime Branch Arrests 3 Bus Theft Gang Members

The Thane Crime Branch Unit-1 has successfully busted a gang notorious for stealing gold jewellery from female commuters during peak transit hours. On August 28, 2026, police arrested three individuals identified as Kapil Suresh Tidange, Poornima Suresh Tidange, and Deepak Vatan Abhang.

The gang's operations involved scouting vulnerable target locations across busy bus stops. As unsuspecting female passengers attempted to board crowded buses, the suspects would leverage the ensuing rush and commotion to covertly slide gold bangles off the victims' wrists.

Law enforcement recovered six stolen gold bangles weighing approximately 130 grams, valued at Rs 20.53 lakh, directly from the suspects' possession. The thefts were executed with such stealth that victims typically realised their jewellery was missing only long after the culprits had escaped.

The arrests were made possible through extensive CCTV analysis across multiple locations. Investigators identified and tracked down the gang members, solving six reported cases. Further interrogation is underway to check their involvement in other similar crimes.

The criminal streak came to light following a key incident on July 20 at the Louis Wadi bus stop, where a 61-year-old woman reported her gold bangle stolen while boarding a bus. Crime Branch investigators thoroughly analysed surrounding CCTV footage, leading to the identification and subsequent arrest of the three suspects.

The operation was executed under the direction of senior officers, including Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbare, Joint Commissioner Dnyaneshwar Chavan, and Additional Commissioner Punjabrao Ugale. Sub-Inspector Prakash Shirsat is currently leading the proceedings.

The recovery of the stolen gold bangles is a significant achievement for the Thane Crime Branch, and the arrests will help to prevent similar crimes in the future. The police are continuing to investigate the gang's involvement in other theft cases.

The incident highlights the importance of being vigilant in crowded areas, especially during peak transit hours. Commuters are advised to be aware of their surroundings and keep a close eye on their belongings.

The Thane Crime Branch's success in busting the gang is a testament to their dedication and hard work in keeping the city safe. The police are committed to preventing and solving crimes, and the community can feel reassured that they are working tirelessly to protect them.

In conclusion, the arrest of the bus theft gang members is a significant achievement for the Thane Crime Branch, and it will help to prevent similar crimes in the future. The police will continue to work hard to keep the city safe, and commuters are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.