Navi Mumbai: The anti-extortion unit has arrested three undertrials who stole diesel from parked trucks at night to pay for their visits to ladies bars daily.
The accused have been identified as Ramesh Dhansingh Sonar alias Thapa (26), Sai Prasad Raut (25), and Manoj Rathod (23), all from Talavali village.
Senior police inspector Shirish Pawar said following complaints of diesel being stolen from trucks and tankers, a team was formed. “On Sunday, we laid a trap at Shalimar Chowk on Indiranagar-Mahape road at Turbhe MIDC.”
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The trio were seen in a car and on search, five cans of diesel, and a country-made revolver and a live cartridge were recovered.
“A total of 175 litres of diesel was found. They used to sell the fuel to some traders. According to the accused, they got the weapon from Madhya Pradesh, but have never used it,” said Mr. Pawar.
The trio were earlier arrested by the Turbhe and the Rabale police for thefts, and were on bail. “All the three are regular visitors to ladies bars and they need around ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 daily,” said assistant police inspector Vijay Chavan.
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The accused are in police custody till Wednesday.