In Kolhapur, Special Inspector General of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma has sanctioned the application of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against two individuals linked to the ‘Gold Hunters Gang.’ These suspects were apprehended in connection with a recent gold chain theft incident. The decision to invoke MCOCA reflects the seriousness of the charges and aims to address organized crime in the region.
Police said 28 serious cases, including forcible theft, housebreaking and vehicle theft, were registered against the duo across Maharashtra, including six in Kolhapur. Police said 26 cases involving gold chains stolen from elderly women were registered across Maharashtra. A parallel investigation by the local crime branch led to their arrest at Shirwal in Satara district. Superintendent of police, Nilotpal directed Juna Rajwada police station inspector, Kiran Londhe to prepare the MCOCA proposal. Havaldar Ranjit Desai and colleagues prepared it. Additional superintendent of police Annasaheb Jadhav, deputy superintendent Priya Patil, local crime branch inspector Sushant Chavan and assistant faujdar Sachin Patil scrutinised the proposal before sending it for approval.
The investigation found that the duo had allegedly committed offences in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Sawantwadi, Kankavli, Kudal, Pune, Wardha, Buldhana, Beed, Akola, Amravati and Yavatmal.