Law enforcement in Kalyan struck gold against fraudsters masquerading as cops, arresting eight in a high-stakes Rs 5 lakh heist. Recovered loot includes Rs 2.36 lakh cash, dual Scorpio SUVs, and nine phones, courtesy of Kolsewadi Police’s relentless chase.
Pune’s Deepak Shinde was the mark, promised Rs 7 lakh for his Rs 5 lakh at Vitthalwadi. Fake notes triggered the ploy, with Scorpio-borne ‘cops’ swooping in for a mock probe, only to bolt with the loot after detaining his aide.
FIR 103/2026 kicked off a digital dragnet, homing in on the fleeing Scorpio via locational intel. Talegaon Dabhade’s toll naka snared four at Somatne; Rahuri’s setup on Alandi road bagged the balance en route to Ahmednagar.
Suspects range from Sanjay Bhosle (56) to youngish Laxman Dhanve (38), including Gauspak Sheikh, Sominath Gaikwad, Arvind Jojat, Umashankar ‘Pappu’ Pandey, Sharad Mohan, and Naresh Sharma.
DCP Atul Zende’s team, featuring ACP Ghete, SI Gurkh, and PI Nhayade, orchestrated the multi-pronged op. Known for bullying victims into compliance, the gang’s downfall boosts public safety. Officials warn of rising impersonation threats, advising verification protocols for all encounters.