Vadodara: In a major breakthrough against vehicle theft, Vadodara Crime Branch has recovered 13 stolen motorcycles worth approximately ₹2.90 lakh and arrested a 42-year-old man from Bharuch district in connection with the case, according to the police press note.
The accused allegedly targeted parking areas near Fatehgunj Bridge, Kamatibaug and Kadak Bazaar in Vadodara over the past one-and-a-half years. Police said the recovered motorcycles are linked to multiple vehicle theft cases registered within the jurisdictions of Sayajigunj and Fatehgunj police stations.
Accused Caught During Police Surveillance
According to the police, Crime Branch teams were investigating vehicle theft cases using CCTV footage, technical evidence and human intelligence.
During patrolling, officers received information about a suspicious motorcyclist travelling along ITI Road in Tarsali. The team stopped the rider and asked him to produce the motorcycle’s documents.
The man, identified as Rakeshkumar Vasantbhai Darji, 42, a resident of Haldar village in Bharuch district and originally from Rahad village in Vagra taluka, reportedly could not provide the required documents.
A verification through the Pocket Cop system indicated that the motorcycle was not registered in his name. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to stealing it from near Kamatibaug.
Three Parking Areas Allegedly Targeted
Police said the accused allegedly selected busy parking locations where large numbers of two-wheelers were parked. These included:
- Fatehgunj Bridge
- Kamatibaug
- Kadak Bazaar
According to the police investigation, the accused allegedly used duplicate keys to steal parked motorcycles. He reportedly sold the stolen vehicles to acquaintances and friends at lower prices, falsely claiming that the motorcycles belonged to him, his relatives or were vehicles on which loan instalments had fallen overdue.
Police said this alleged method was used to make the stolen motorcycles appear to have been legitimately obtained.
13 Motorcycles Recovered by Vadodara Crime Branch
The recovered vehicles include the following models:
| Motorcycle model | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hero Splendor | 9 |
| HF Deluxe | 1 |
| Hero Passion | 3 |
| Total | 13 |
The total estimated value of the recovered motorcycles is ₹2,90,000.
Multiple Vehicle Theft Cases Detected
According to the police, the recovery helped detect several previously unresolved vehicle theft cases registered at Fatehgunj and Sayajigunj police stations. The recovered motorcycles and the accused were handed over to the concerned police stations for further legal proceedings and investigation.
The press note lists multiple cases registered under Section 305(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including cases from 2026.
Police also stated that the accused had previously been apprehended in a prohibition-related case at Nizar Police Station in 2020.
Crime Branch Team Behind the Operation
The operation was conducted by Vadodara Crime Branch personnel under the guidance of senior officers. The team included Police Inspectors S. M. Gameti, B. D. Jitiya and R. S. Gohil, Police Sub-Inspector V. P. Chauhan and other Crime Branch personnel.
The recovery highlights the role of coordinated patrolling, intelligence gathering and technical investigation in detecting vehicle theft cases.
Police have urged vehicle owners to remain cautious while parking their two-wheelers and to use secure locks and designated parking areas wherever possible.
Also read, Vadodara Railway Police Arrest 2 in House Burglary Case, Seize Property Worth ₹19.12 Lakh
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