Team Herald
MAPUSA: The Mapusa Police have apprehended a gang spearheaded by a history sheeter who posed as representatives of a finance company and duped several gullible people of their cash and gold ornaments.
The gang, which has been linked to nine previous cases in Maharashtra, was led by mastermind Ambekar, 47. His accomplices Shivam Manish Ambekar, 24, Ravi Shreepati Chavan, 42, Karan and Yash Ravi Chavan, both 20, all residents of VTC Palaspe, Panvel, Raigad, Maharashtra were also arrested by the police.
The gang’s activities came to light after Reshma Ogale, a resident of Ucassaim, Bardez, lodged a complaint with Mapusa Police. Ogale reported that on 21 January, an unknown man, claiming to be an employee of a finance company, approached her near the Muthoot Finance Company building in Mapusa and offered her gold in exchange for Rs 1 lakh in cash. Sensing that this was a scam, Ogale raised an alarm, and the suspect fled the scene.
The investigation, led by Police Inspector (PI) Nikhil Palekar, utilised CCTV footage and checked criminal records, leading to the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspects. During the operation, the police recovered Rs 59,500, mobile phones and a jeep used in the commission of the crime.
Ambekar and his gang have a history of criminal activity. In October 2021, Ambekar was arrested by the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch for robbing jewellers and shopkeepers. The gang’s modus operandi involved cheating victims out of gold ornaments and valuables by using counterfeit currency notes.
According to a police official, the gang has committed similar crimes in Alibaug, Pen (Raigad district), Vashi (Navi Mumbai), and Gujarat. In total, 20 offences have been registered against them at various police stations.
The Mapusa Police’s swift action has successfully brought this notorious gang to justice, ensuring the safety of local residents and deterring further criminal activity.