3 arrested for stealing 16,700 one rupee coins from Dena Bank’s Matunga branch
While the plan was to rob the bank’s main locker, the thieves were unsuccessful in doing so and settled for the bag of one rupee coins instead (Representational Image)
Police have arrested three men who allegedly stole Rs 16,700 in one rupee coins from Dena Bank’s Matunga branch last month.
According to officials, the theft took place during the intervening night of February 1 and 2, when the thieves entered the bank branch through the toilet window.
Upon entering, the main accused, Kashinath Vasant Pendharkar, cut off the electricity supply. The lack of power caused the CCTVs to go blank.
While the plan was to rob the bank’s main locker, the thieves were unsuccessful in doing so. In a seemingly desperate attempt, they eventually seized a bag of one rupee coins kept close by and escaped.
After discovering the theft next morning, the bank’s manager immediately filed a complaint with the police.
During the probe, several criminals with past records and similar modus operandi were questioned. Among them was Pendharkar, who was picked up from Wadala on Monday night.
The Navi Mumbai-resident confessed to the crime during questioning and led to the recovery of Rs 15,000. He also disclosed the names of his three aides.
Of them, Chetan Ghaitadke and Aniket Singh have been arrested while Prasanna Bandre is believed to have fled with the remaining amount.
The accused have been booked under sections 454 (house breaking), 457 (house breaking by night) and 380 (committing theft in any building) of the Indian Penal Code.
