Pune, 17 Oct – In a shocking crime case, two engineering students from Pune have been arrested by Pimpri-Chinchwad police for their involvement in selling stolen Bullet motorcycles. The duo, identified as Yash Thutte and Prem Devare, were part of a larger gang that included their friend Abhay Kharde, who was responsible for stealing the bikes from the Chakan area. Kharde had learned theft techniques by watching YouTube videos and resorted to crime after losing money in an online casino game. Alongside them, two other accomplices, Ravindra Gawhane and Shubham Kale, both well-educated individuals, were also involved in this elaborate scheme. (Pune Crime News)

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr. Shivaji Pawar, the gang was involved in stealing and selling at least 18 Bullet motorcycles. Kharde, the mastermind, operated mainly in Chakan and nearby areas, where he would steal high-value bikes. Yash and Prem, both engineering students, would help him find buyers for the stolen bikes. Their network was well-organized, and they even sold the stolen bikes in rural areas of Ahmednagar and Nashik.

The police started investigating the case after an increase in Bullet thefts was reported in the Chakan police station limits. A trail of CCTV footage led them to Sangamner, where Kharde was apprehended. Upon interrogation, he confessed to stealing 18 bikes. The police also arrested his accomplices, who were instrumental in selling the stolen motorcycles.

The YouTube Connection and Online Gambling

Abhay Kharde’s addiction to online casino games triggered the series of thefts. After losing significant money in the games, he turned to crime to recover his losses. Kharde revealed that he learned how to steal bikes by watching YouTube videos, especially targeting Bullet motorcycles due to their high resale value. Yash and Prem, both fellow engineering students, assisted him by finding buyers for the stolen goods, while Ravindra and Shubham helped facilitate the operations.

The Arrest and Recovery

Police have recovered a total of 18 Bullet motorcycles from various rural locations, valued at approximately ₹26 lakh. In addition to the Bullets, 11 other vehicles, including six Splendor motorcycles and one Yamaha bike, were seized during the investigation. The operation has brought an end to the gang’s illegal activities, and all five accused have been arrested. (Pune News)