Inter-state two-wheeler theft racket busted in Sankeshwar

Belagavi: Sankeshwar police have busted an inter-state two-wheeler theft racket, arresting two accused and recovering 27 stolen vehicles collectively valued at Rs 18.3 lakh. The operation has also helped to crack multiple theft cases reported across Belagavi district and parts of Maharashtra.The arrested accused are Laxman Virupakshi Kanbargi, 31, a native of Ankalgi in Gokak taluk and currently residing in Samarth Nagar, Belagavi, and Fakirappa Siddappa Karigar, 25, a resident of Hirehalli in Gokak taluk, presently staying in Bolkadabi in Yargatti taluk.According to police sources, the breakthrough came following a complaint lodged by Ajit Subhash Arbole, 41, a resident of Jugul village in Kagwad taluk, who reported the theft of his two-wheeler in Sankeshwar on March 31.Acting on the complaint, a special investigation team was constituted under the guidance of SP K Ramarajan, ASP RB Basargi and DSP Ravi Naik. The team, led by inspector SM Avaji and assisted by sub-inspector US Shettenavar and staff, intensified the probe.The suspects were detained during the course of the investigation and, upon sustained interrogation, confessed to their involvement in a series of vehicle thefts. They were formally arrested on April 2.SP Ramarajan said the recovered vehicles were stolen from various locations across Belagavi district, including Sankeshwar, Bailhongal, Hirebagewadi, APMC, Shahapur, Malmaruti, Market area, Kakati, Khade Bazar and Tilakwadi. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the network and the possible involvement of other accomplices.