It has been less than a week since Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar passed away in a shocking plane crash while he was heading to Baramati on the morning of January 28 to address a rally. The crash was so severe that it not only claimed his life but also that of six others who were travelling with him on the private jet.
The very next day, the family held a prayer meet in Baramati, where lakhs of Ajit Pawar's fans and followers gathered to pay their last respects to their favourite politician.
However, the funeral was marred by a shocking security breach, as thieves allegedly stole gold ornaments worth around ₹25 lakh from mourners. The incident triggered public outrage, especially since it occurred despite the deployment of nearly 8,000 police personnel at the event.
According to Pune Rural Police, the thefts took place on January 29 during Ajit Pawar's last rites at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where a massive crowd had assembled. Taking advantage of the congestion, the suspects allegedly targeted mourners by attempting to snatch gold chains and other jewellery from their necks.
In several instances, alert citizens caught suspected thieves in the act and assaulted them before handing them over to the police. Others were directly apprehended by police personnel deployed at the venue. So far, six suspects have been detained, and efforts are on to trace their accomplices.
Accused held by Pune police
The accused named in the FIR include Rajkumar Baburao Athawale of Gevrai in Beed district; Mohammad Anis Mohammad Yunus, Ejaz Bhagu Mirawale, and Mohammad Sadiq Mohammad Siraj, all residents of Digras in Yavatmal district; and Balu Baban Botre from Palsadeo in Indapur taluka, along with two associates.
Police have assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved and that efforts are underway to recover the stolen jewellery.
