In a unique and unexpected development, officers from the Gujarat Police donned the guise of street vendors to apprehend a notorious thief concealed in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The Ahmedabad Police employed an unconventional strategy, dressing as balloon and vegetable vendors, resulting in the swift capture of the thief within 48 hours following a complaint filed by a lawyer about the theft of jewelry and cash amounting to Rs 1.5 lakh from his residence.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Sola Police Station initiated an investigation, scrutinizing over 500 CCTV footage segments in the vicinity. Through this analysis, it was determined that the thief, riding an Activa scooter, had made several stops for tea along the way. The owner of the Activa, who sold golgappas, was identified, and upon interrogation, it was revealed that a friend from the village had utilized the scooter and returned to Madhya Pradesh a day before.
To apprehend the thief, identified as Ashok Sharma, a team from the Ahmedabad Police was dispatched to Gwalior. Disguising themselves as ordinary street vendors, selling balloons and vegetables, the police covertly monitored Sharma's activities in his village. While keeping a discreet eye on the suspect, Sharma called his golgappa-selling friend, inquiring about the police's presence. The golgappa seller promptly informed the police, who advised him to initiate a video call with Sharma, enabling them to identify the surroundings of his residence.
Recognizing Sharma by his footwear when he left his house, the police swiftly apprehended him. Upon interrogation, Sharma admitted to the theft and surrendered the stolen items. The Sola Police explained that Sharma resided in a densely populated area, making direct access to his house challenging. Hence, the police opted for diverse disguises to effectively monitor his activities.
The strategic approach resulted in the expeditious capture of the thief within the specified 48-hour timeframe. Given Sharma's prior criminal record, additional charges are now being levied, and ongoing investigations seek to determine the extent of his involvement in previous criminal activities. Police disclosed that Sharma had arrived in Ahmedabad from Gwalior with two other individuals, both of whom refrained from participating in the theft due to fear.
