In a surprising turn of events, a Pune couple, grappling with the economic challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, embarked on a life of crime, resorting to bicycle theft as a means to secure quick money.
The Sinhagad Road Police swiftly apprehended the couple, identified as Vijay Rajendra Pathak (36) and Diana Denzil D’Souza (25). Law enforcement managed to recover a total of 14 high-value bicycles, estimated to be worth Rs 3,50,000, from their possession.
The bicycle heist in question unfolded on August 6 in Anandnagar, within the jurisdiction of the Sinhagad Road police station. Subsequently, a case was registered, setting the wheels of the investigation into motion.
A significant breakthrough occurred on October 26, when Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Nikam and the Investigation Team, while patrolling near Vadgaon bridge, encountered a man on a black bicycle with a woman seated behind him, transporting another cycle. Upon interrogation, the suspects introduced themselves as Vijay Pathak and Diana D’Souza.
Raising suspicions, the police delved deeper into inquiries about the bicycle. The couple’s evasive and unsatisfactory responses raised red flags, eventually leading to the disclosure that the couple had been engaging in the theft of expensive bicycles for their own amusement. Consequently, they were detained and later placed under arrest.
Despite being well-educated, the couple found themselves resorting to this illicit enterprise after experiencing job loss during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their foray into criminal activities dates back to 2020 when they initially targeted bicycles from a reputable company for recreational purposes. However, with mounting financial difficulties, they transitioned from stealing for amusement to stealing for profit.
A total of 14 bicycles, valued at Rs 3,50,000, were confiscated from the couple’s possession.
Senior Police Inspector Abhay Mahajan revealed that three cases have already been resolved, while investigations are ongoing concerning the remaining stolen bicycles.
This operation was executed under the leadership of DCP (Zone 3) Suhail Sharma, Assistant Commissioner of Police Appasaheb Shewale, Senior Police Inspector Abhay Mahajan, and Police Inspector (Crime) Jayant Rajurkar.
