By | Pravin Kadam
Satara: The Local Crime Branch of Satara Police has arrested a four-member gang involved in large-scale theft of copper cable wires from windmill installations in the Patan region and surrounding areas. With this action, police have successfully solved five theft cases and seized stolen property worth ₹18.80 lakh.
Series of Thefts from Windmill Projects
Between February 8 and December 6, 2025, repeated thefts were reported from windmill sites operated by a private power company in the Sadawaghapur and Dadoli areas. Based on complaints received at Patan Police Station, Crime No. 195/2025 was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Indian Electricity Act.
Considering the recurring nature of the crime, Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi and Additional Superintendent of Police Dr. Vaishali Kadukar directed the Local Crime Branch to conduct a detailed investigation.
Breakthrough Through Confidential Intelligence
On December 14, 2025, Police Inspector Arun Devkar received credible information from a confidential informant regarding the involvement of four individuals in the cable wire thefts. Acting swiftly, special teams led by Assistant Police Inspectors Ramesh Gaje and Rohit Phane detained the suspects from Patan, Masur, and Karad areas.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to stealing copper cable wires from windmills located in Sadawaghapur, Dadoli, Rajapuri, Padekarwadi, Ghatewadi, Maloshi, Bamnewadi, and Bhambe.
Five Crimes Solved, Vehicles and Machinery Recovered
Based on their confession, police linked the accused to five registered cases across Patan, Satara Taluka, and Umbraj police stations. The investigation led to the recovery of:
Stolen copper cable wires and machinery worth ₹17.76 lakh
One tempo vehicle and weighing equipment worth ₹1 lakh
The total value of the seized property stands at ₹18,80,014.
Accused Arrested, Further Investigation Underway
All four accused were formally arrested on December 15, 2025, and are currently in police custody. Further investigation is underway to determine whether the gang is linked to similar crimes in other districts.
Commendation for Police Team
The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior officers, with active participation from a large team of officers and personnel from the Local Crime Branch. The Superintendent and Additional Superintendent of Police have commended the team for their effective and coordinated action.
