An interstate burglary case in Ahmedabad has taken an unusual turn after investigators uncovered an alleged political motive behind the crime, with police claiming the theft was planned to finance expenses for a village sarpanch election in Rajasthan. One accused has been arrested, while efforts continue to trace his accomplices who remain absconding.
The accused, identified as Dinesh Meena, was arrested by Ahmedabad’s Local Crime Branch in connection with a house break-in that occurred in January. According to police, stolen property worth approximately Rs 38 lakh has been recovered during the investigation. Authorities allege that Meena travelled from Rajasthan to Gujarat along with two associates specifically to carry out the burglary.
The theft took place at a residence in the Ghatlodia area when the homeowners were away in Rajkot attending a family function. Investigators said the burglars entered the locked house by removing a ventilation grill on the terrace before stealing gold and silver jewellery valued at more than Rs 13 lakh. After the complaint was registered, police launched a detailed probe, examining footage from over 200 CCTV cameras across surrounding routes to track the suspects’ movements.
Analysis of the footage revealed that three men had arrived on a motorcycle and fled the scene using the same vehicle. Tracking the bike’s registration number led investigators to identify one of the suspects as a habitual offender. Police teams then travelled to Rajasthan, where Dinesh Meena was apprehended.
During interrogation, officers learned that Meena had travelled to Ahmedabad with associates Kamlesh and Ishwar, both residents of the same village. Police allege that while Kamlesh and Ishwar entered the house and executed the theft, Meena assisted in facilitating the operation. Investigators also stated that Kamlesh is wanted in multiple other criminal cases and remains on the run along with Ishwar.
According to police, the motive behind the burglary was linked to raising funds for the upcoming sarpanch elections in the accused’s village. Investigators believe the trio conducted reconnaissance of locked houses for two days before selecting the target property, intending to use the stolen valuables to finance campaign-related expenses and defeat a rival candidate.
Police officials said the case highlights the organised planning involved, noting that extensive CCTV analysis and vehicle tracking were crucial in identifying the suspects. Search operations are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining accused, while further investigation continues into the full extent of the criminal network involved.
