According to the police, the accused broke open a donation box at Shankar mandhir (Temple), operated by the Jalai Lohana Mitra Mandal Trust, located on S.V. Road, Kandivali West, on December 22. The accused allegedly fled with around Rs 50,000 in cash

Mumbai Police nabs duo who targeted temple donation boxes, solves theft at Kandivali mandir

The accused have been remanded to police custody, an official said. Representational Pic/File

The Kandivali Police in Mumbai have arrested two men for their alleged involvement in stealing donation boxes from temples in Mumbai, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused have been identified as Prashant Pandurang Chorat (30) and Aliraj alias Ali Sainur Khan (38).

Khan was arrested from Mira Road, while Chorat was nabbed from Satara. Another accused involved in the crime is currently absconding.

Theft at Shankar Temple in Kandivali

A complaint was filed by Vipul Jataniya (57), following which the police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Modus Operandi

Police said Khan is an auto-rickshaw driver and has one leg affected by polio. Chorat, on the other hand, is a habitual offender who allegedly specialises in stealing donation boxes from temples.

Investigations revealed that the trio committed the theft together, and Khan received Rs 15,000 as his share of the stolen money.

CCTV footage leads to arrest

Under the guidance of DCP Sandeep Jadhav (Zone XI) and Senior Police Inspector Karan Sonkawade, API Hemant Geete and his detection team began the investigation. CCTV footage from nearby areas was examined, leading to the identification of an auto-rickshaw used in the crime.

The police traced the vehicle to Penkarpada, Mira Road, and detained Khan after obtaining his address and mobile number. During questioning, Khan confessed to the theft and named his associates Prakash alias Pakya and Ganesh alias Ganya.

Suspect held in Satara

Based on information provided by Khan, the police learnt that Pakya alias Prashant Chorat was hiding in Satara district of Maharashtra. With permission from senior officers, the police team travelled to Satara and arrested Chorat from Kondavili Khurd village, Vai taluka, on Tuesday.

During the search, police seized over Rs 13,000 in cash and a mobile phone allegedly purchased using the stolen money.

More thefts under investigation

During interrogation, Chorat reportedly admitted to committing another temple theft in Kurar, just days after the Kandivali incident. Police confirmed that Chorat is a professional thief who specifically targets temples.

Both accused were produced before a court and have been remanded to police custody until January 2. Police said efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the third accused, Ganesh alias Ganya.