Nagpur, India: The Vehicle Theft Squad of the Crime Branch has successfully broken up an interstate gang involved in stealing luxury cars and selling them with fake documents. They have resolved six vehicle theft cases, arrested four suspects, and recovered 11 stolen cars valued at ₹1.5 crore.

The operation began after the Vehicle Theft Squad received a tip-off about a stolen Hyundai Creta from Delhi being sold in Nagpur. Acting on this lead, the police spotted a suspicious car in the Tehsil area with a fake registration number (MP 04 EE 2026).

The investigation revealed that the car’s original registration number was HR 10 AT 3055, and it was registered under HDFC Life Insurance Company. The car’s current owner, Shahid Iqbal, also known as Chintu (39), from Ansar Nagar, was called in for questioning. During interrogation, Shahid admitted to using a fake registration number to hide the vehicle’s true origin.

Further investigation uncovered that Shahid, along with his accomplice Saurabh Ashokrao Ahirwar (36), had modified the car’s software, replaced the original keys with counterfeit ones, and affixed fake number plates. The two admitted to stealing vehicles, altering their identification details, and selling them in other states such as Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, and Hyderabad.

The Crime Branch identified the gang’s involvement in nine cases of stolen Creta and Kia cars in Nagpur. On October 24, 2024, the gang had stolen six cars from Nagpur.

The police collaborated with Madhya Pradesh authorities to set up roadblocks, resulting in the arrest of two gang members, Ajitsingh Ingo Laishram (38) and Bojendrasinh Shurchandrasinh Laishram (27), from Imphal, Manipur. Three stolen cars, including two Hyundai Cretas, were recovered from them.

The police have recovered 11 stolen cars valued at ₹1.5 crore, including a Hyundai Creta (MH 40 CQ 4244) worth ₹15 lakh, stolen from the Lakadganj area; a Hyundai Creta (MH 49 CD 7889) worth ₹20.03 lakh, stolen from Imamwada; and a Hyundai Creta (MH 40 CQ 9599) worth ₹17 lakh, stolen from the MIDC area.

The investigation revealed that the accused altered the vehicle software, forged FASTags, and transported the stolen vehicles to other states for resale.

The operation was carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal, Joint Commissioner Nisar Tamboli, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Patil, and DCP Rahul Makanikar. The investigation was led by PI Suhas Chaudhari and PSI Sachin Bhonde, with crucial support from the Cyber Cell. Officers Dipak Rithe, Vilas Kokate, and others from Unit 1 and the Vehicle Theft Squad also played key roles in the success of the operation.