Thieves strike at Ajit Pawar's funeral, swipe jewellery worth ₹2.5-3 crore amid 8,000 police presence
Baramati (The Uttam Hindu): While the entire state was plunged into mourning due to the sudden demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, a shameful incident during his funeral has shocked everyone. Lakhs of people had gathered in Baramati to bid a final farewell to the public leader who lost his life in a plane crash on January 28. Taking advantage of this sad atmosphere and huge crowd, a gang of thieves targeted the people present there and made away with gold jewellery worth lakhs of rupees.
Taking advantage of the crowd, the chains of 15 people were snatched
As Ajit Pawar's funeral was being conducted with full state honors at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati, people were emotionally paying their last respects to their leader. Meanwhile, thieves infiltrated the crowd and stole gold chains from the necks of approximately 15 people. According to police sources, the total value of the stolen jewelry is estimated to be around 25 to 30 lakh rupees. While the atmosphere was deeply saddened, the criminals committed this crime with extreme insensitivity.
Questions raised over the presence of 8,000 policemen
This incident has raised serious questions about the security arrangements there. According to reports, approximately 8,000 police personnel were deployed in Baramati to accommodate VVIP movement and large crowds. Despite such tight security, a gang of thieves managed to carry out such a massive heist. However, alert citizens present at the scene caught some suspects red-handed and handed them over to the police.
Case registered against the accused, investigation started
Following the victims' complaint, the Baramati Taluka police immediately took action. A case has been registered against Mohammad Yunus, Rajkumar Athawale, Ejaz Mirawale, Mohammad Siraj, and Balu Botre, among other accused. Police are rigorously interrogating the arrested suspects to recover the stolen jewelry and track down other gang members. Local residents are deeply angry with the police administration over this incident.