In a major breakthrough, Valsad Police have successfully solved a high-profile burglary case in Pardi and arrested seven members of the notorious “Tapeli Gang” from Bhavnagar. The gang, known for its involvement in multiple theft and burglary cases across Gujarat, Daman, and Silvassa, allegedly committed the crime just weeks after being released from jail.
Police have recovered stolen gold ornaments, mobile phones, cash, and a motorcycle worth a total of ₹16.41 lakh during the operation. The arrests have exposed a well-organized criminal network that targeted locked houses and quickly fled to other districts after committing thefts.
₹9 Lakh Burglary Reported in Pardi’s Dungri Village
Family Attending Birthday Function When Burglary Took Place
The incident occurred on May 23 in Bherwad Falia of Dungri village in Pardi taluka. According to police, the complainant, Pannaben Patel, and her family had gone to attend a relative’s birthday celebration when unknown thieves targeted their locked residence. Taking advantage of the family’s absence, the burglars allegedly broke the main door lock and entered the house. They searched cupboards and storage drawers before escaping with valuable gold jewellery and cash.
What Was Stolen?
According to the FIR registered at Pardi Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023:
- 205.5 grams of gold ornaments worth ₹8.22 lakh
- Cash amounting to ₹80,000
- Total stolen property valued at ₹9.02 lakh
The case immediately triggered an intensive investigation by local police and the Local Crime Branch (LCB).
CCTV Footage and Technical Analysis Help Police Crack Case
Police Trace Suspects Through Surveillance Network
After the burglary, teams from Pardi Police Station and the Valsad LCB launched a detailed investigation.
Officials reviewed:
- CCTV footage from nearby areas
- Technical surveillance data
- Suspect movement patterns
- Information from confidential sources
Investigators were eventually able to identify the motorcycle used in the crime and trace the movements of the accused. Based on intelligence inputs, police conducted operations in Bhavnagar and arrested the main accused along with several accomplices.
₹16.41 Lakh Worth Property Recovered
Gold Jewellery, Mobile Phones and Motorcycle Seized
During the operation, police recovered:
| Recovered Item | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Gold Ornaments (2 Gold Chains) | ₹14.37 lakh |
| Five Mobile Phones | ₹1.80 lakh |
| Motorcycle | ₹20,000 |
| Cash | ₹4,300 |
| Total Recovery | ₹16.41 lakh |
Officials stated that the recovery value exceeded the amount involved in the original burglary due to additional property and evidence linked to the accused.
Stolen Jewellery Sold to Finance Luxury Purchases
Accused Bought New iPhone Using Crime Money
During interrogation, the main accused, Sameer Deraiya, reportedly confessed that the stolen gold jewellery was sold through an associate identified as Deepak alias Kalu.
Police investigations revealed that:
- The stolen gold was sold for approximately ₹12.50 lakh.
- Part of the proceeds was used for personal expenses.
- Around ₹1.62 lakh was allegedly spent on purchasing a new iPhone 17 Pro.
Investigators are now tracing additional financial transactions linked to the gang.
Notorious Criminals With Long Crime History
Several Serious Cases Registered Across Gujarat, Daman and Silvassa
Police officials described the arrested individuals as habitual offenders with extensive criminal backgrounds.
According to investigators:
Sameer Deraiya
- Around 24 criminal cases registered
- House burglaries
- Motorcycle thefts
- Gambling and liquor-related offences
Adil Alias Tapeli
- Around 10 criminal cases registered
Aslam
- Around 6 criminal cases registered
Many of these offences were recorded across Gujarat, Daman, and Silvassa. Officials said the accused had previously been arrested by police agencies in Daman and Silvassa and were released from jail approximately one month ago before allegedly returning to criminal activities.
Two Jewellery Traders Also Arrested
Police Probe Illegal Purchase of Stolen Property
The investigation has also led to the arrest of two jewellery traders from Bhavnagar who allegedly purchased stolen gold from the gang.
Police have identified them as businessmen associated with:
- Shri Bombay Spot
- Mahuva Refinery
Authorities are investigating whether the traders knowingly purchased stolen property and whether similar transactions occurred in previous cases. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Gang Followed Repeat Crime Pattern
Committed Thefts and Then Left District
Police believe the gang followed a systematic operating pattern.
Investigators found that the accused would:
- Identify locked homes.
- Commit burglaries when families were away.
- Quickly leave the district after the crime.
- Spend stolen money on luxury items and entertainment.
- Return to criminal activities after exhausting funds.
Officials say the arrests have disrupted a major burglary network operating across multiple regions.
Police Continue Investigation
More Arrests Possible
Valsad Police have indicated that further investigation is underway to determine whether the gang was involved in other unsolved burglary cases across South Gujarat.
Authorities are also examining:
- Additional stolen property transactions
- Links to other criminal networks
- Financial records of suspects
- Interstate criminal activities
Police officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in residential areas.
Final Thought
The successful detection of the Pardi burglary case marks a significant achievement for Valsad Police and the Local Crime Branch. The arrest of seven members of the notorious Tapeli Gang and the recovery of ₹16.41 lakh worth of property highlight the effectiveness of surveillance technology and coordinated police action.
As investigations continue, authorities hope to uncover additional crimes linked to the gang and strengthen efforts to combat organized property offences across Gujarat.
Also read, Pardi’s First Woman Pilot Krishna Prajapati Soars High, Becomes Pride of South Gujarat
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