Three held, 23 stolen bikes recovered as Ahmedabad Police bust inter-state gang

Police have busted an inter-state gang involved in a series of two-wheeler thefts along the SG Highway stretch, especially under flyovers, and arrested three persons from Rajasthan, recovering 23 stolen motorcycles.

The operation was carried out by the Sola Police Station based on CCTV analysis and human intelligence inputs, they said, adding that the arrests have helped solve 19 cases registered at police stations across the city.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Harshad Patel said the main accused, Gopal, along with accomplices Mukesh and Bharat, targeted parking areas under flyovers where commuters left their vehicles for long hours.

“They mainly picked older motorcycles with worn-out locks. The accused used duplicate and worn keys to open the locks and steal the vehicles,” Patel said.

After committing the thefts, the accused allegedly hid the stolen bikes in bushes near Bhadaj Circle to avoid detection, police said.

The investigation gained momentum after repeated thefts were reported near the Sola Bhagwat Bridge, following which officers analysed CCTV footage and traced the involvement of Gopal, a native of Banswara in Rajasthan.

Police laid a trap near a petrol pump on the ring road and apprehended Gopal. During interrogation, he revealed the names of his accomplices, leading to their arrest, officials said.

The accused have been linked to theft cases registered at multiple police stations, including those in Sola, Ramol, Krishnanagar, Odhav, Nikol, Sabarmati Riverfront and Kathlal areas, police added.

Gopal has previously been involved in more than 11 theft cases, officials said, adding that the gang was engaged in the crimes to earn money quickly.