Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Pune Rural Police Bust Gang Targeting Tractors and Farm Equipment
A group of three men was arrested in Pune’s rural areas for allegedly stealing farm equipment.
The stolen items included tractors, trailers, vehicles and water pumps.
Police said the equipment was worth about Rs 25 lakh.
Farmers often leave this equipment in fields or farm sheds, where it can be vulnerable.
The investigation began after several similar thefts were reported.
A farmer noticed a possibly stolen tractor trolley near his village and informed police.
Officers then used local information, CCTV and phone records to identify suspects.
Police are still checking whether more people were involved.
Pune Rural police arrested three men in the first week of August over alleged farm-equipment thefts.
The stolen items included tractors, tractor trolleys, pick-up vehicles, solar water pumps and submersible pumps.
Police seized equipment and vehicles collectively valued at around Rs 25 lakh.
Investigators linked the suspects to alleged thefts in Lakadi, Shindewadi and Bhavaninagar areas of Indapur.
Police used informers, CCTV footage and Call Detail Records while investigating whether the trio was part of a larger network.
- Who
- Pune Rural police arrested Jaydeep Nanasaheb Gholave, Meghraj Nanasaheb Ombase and Akash Vilas Shinde, all aged 22 or 23 and residents of Nibodi in Indapur taluka.
- What
- The police busted a gang allegedly targeting tractors, tractor trolleys, vehicles and irrigation equipment.
- When
- Multiple thefts were reported by July, and the three men were arrested in the first week of August.
- Where
- The alleged thefts occurred in Pune rural areas, including Lakadi, Shindewadi and Bhavaninagar in Indapur.
- Why
- Police said farm equipment is expensive but is often kept in open fields or farm sheds, making it vulnerable and potentially attractive in agricultural markets.
- Arrests
- Three men were arrested in the first week of August.
- Accused
- Jaydeep Nanasaheb Gholave, Meghraj Nanasaheb Ombase and Akash Vilas Shinde.
- Seized property
- Agricultural equipment and vehicles valued at around Rs 25 lakh.
- Reported items
- New Holland tractor, tractor trolley, Mahindra pick-up vehicle, solar water pump and another tractor.
- Investigation methods
- Police used informers, technical investigation, CCTV footage and Call Detail Records.
- Alleged locations
- Lakadi, Shindewadi and Bhavaninagar areas of Indapur.
- Next step
- Police are investigating whether the three men were connected to a larger network.