Burglary Cases Rise in Mumbai Area; Famous 'Chaddi-Baniyan' Gang Caught by Police in Smart Operation

Mumbai: A sharp rise in housebreaking cases across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane has prompted a major crackdown by local law enforcement, culminating in the arrest of two key members of the notorious Chaddi-Baniyan gang. The breakthrough came after police deployed an unusual but effective strategy—using a water tanker to infiltrate and surveil the gang’s hideout.

The Chaddi-Baniyan gang, infamous for its stealthy nighttime break-ins and elusive operations, had recently escalated activity in residential areas, sparking concern among residents and pressure on the police. Investigations revealed that the gang was operating from a leased house and used alternate city routes to carry out their heists, complicating tracking efforts.

A turning point in the case came when police learned that the gang leader’s brother was lodged in Yerwada Jail, leading authorities to investigate familial links. This eventually directed the investigation to a chawl in Sabe village, believed to be the gang's current base.

To gain the trust of locals and gather intelligence discreetly, police initiated a clever strategy—delivering water via a tanker to the area, while undercover officers mingled with residents. Once sufficient information was obtained, a coordinated team of 25–30 officers surrounded the chawl and arrested two suspects, identified as Shahaji Pawar and Ankush Pawar, siblings from Kalamb in the Dharashiv district.

In a related triumph, the Pimpri Chinchwad Crime Branch apprehended a gang that had robbed an industrialist in the Nigdi Authority area. After an exhaustive 11,200-kilometre pursuit across Rajasthan, officers recovered stolen property worth ₹6.15 lakh.