Navi Mumbai Shooting: Faulty CCTVs Fail to Capture Suspects’ Faces

Sanpada, Navi Mumbai: In a shocking incident in Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, the police are grappling with a lack of clear evidence after the fatal shooting of Rajaram Thoke, a garbage contractor. Despite the suspects zooming past 100–150 public CCTV cameras during their escape, none of the footage could capture the accused’s face or bike details due to poorly maintained cameras.

One of the suspects, identified as Santosh Gawli, 40, is believed to have harbored a grudge against Thoke after losing his garbage collection contract at the APMC market. Once a contractor himself, Gawli had turned to driving autorickshaws following financial struggles.

According to police investigations, Gawli and an unidentified accomplice planned the attack meticulously, following Thoke’s routine for two months. On the day of the incident, the duo tailed Thoke from Ghatkopar to Sanpada, where the shooter fired five rounds at him in his car, hitting his abdomen, legs, and hands.

The investigation hit a roadblock due to the absence of usable footage. The only clues came from informants and Gawli’s clothing, confirming his involvement. Police traced Gawli’s last movements to Panvel, where his digital trail went cold.

Authorities are still searching for Gawli, his accomplice, the weapon used, and the motorcycle involved in the crime. This case has raised concerns over the efficiency of public surveillance systems in critical areas.