Raigad Police Nab Six In Armed Dacoity Case After Statewide Manhunt

In a significant breakthrough, ten dedicated teams of the Raigad Police successfully traced and arrested six accused involved in a violent armed dacoity in the Pali region, using technical investigation and confidential intelligence. The robbery took place on the intervening night of July 26–27 in the villages of Hatondi, Baudhawada, and Gondav under Pali Police Station limits.

The gang had targeted homes in remote areas after conducting detailed surveillance of vulnerable households, particularly those with elderly residents and women wearing jewellery.

Ten Special Teams Formed Under SP Aanchal Dalal

Following the incident, Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal, formed ten investigation teams and assigned them specific responsibilities. With close coordination from Additional SP Abhijit Shivthare and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ravindra Daundkar, the teams worked round-the-clock, meticulously analysing digital clues, CCTV footage, and mobile data to track the suspects.

“After over a week of sustained efforts, police teams launched simultaneous operations across multiple districts and arrested all six accused,” Raigad SP Dalal said. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ajay Eknath Chavan (23), Akash Punjabrao Chavan (20), Sunil Prakash Chavan (32), Mallari Bhanuklas Chavan (30), Somnath Bharudas Chavan (30), and Sujal Mahesh Chavan (19). Though currently residing in Raigad and Pune districts, most of the accused originally hail from Beed, Jalgaon, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The accused were arrested from Yevatmal, Khopoli and Khalapur.

Vegetable Vendor Modus Operandi Used to Scout Targets

According to police, all six have a criminal background, with multiple cases registered against them across Maharashtra. Ajay Chavan faces at least six previous charges, including theft, housebreaking, and culpable homicide. Sunil Chavan has been booked in cases involving kidnapping, sexual assault, and violence, while Akash Chavan has prior charges in Parbhani and Kolad.

According to police, the gang’s strategy involved using an accomplice currently absconding who posed as a vegetable vendor and used a Tata Ace vehicle to move around villages. While selling vegetables, he would gather information on potential targets and report back to the group. Based on this intelligence, the gang would plan and execute the robberies. “They would break open the door of the targetted house and use chopper to threaten the residents and then make away with the ornaments they are wearing. On a single night five houses were robbed,” SDPO Daundkar said. According to police the accused used to work as daily wagers in the day time.

Police Still Hunting for Absconding Accomplices

During questioning, the accused confessed to their involvement in similar crimes reported in Murbad and Tokawade in Thane rural district. Poloce believe the gang may be connected to other unsolved dacoity cases across the state.

The arrests were made by a joint team from the Local Crime Branch and Pali Police, led by API Bhaskar Jadhav, with support from multiple officers and constables.

Police Still Hunting for Absconding Accomplices

Raigad Police continue to investigate the case and are working to apprehend the remaining accomplices. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity in their localities.