Daijiworld Media Network - Sindhudurg

Sindhudurg, Apr 12: In a major breakthrough for the Konkan region police network, a coordinated operation between Goa and Maharashtra authorities has led to the arrest of two seasoned burglars involved in a series of thefts across states.

The accused, identified as Rahul alias Diwan Omprakash Tomar (36) and Rajpath Santram Pal (52), both natives of Uttar Pradesh, were apprehended at Roha in Raigad district of Maharashtra following a 30-hour manhunt by the Sindhudurg Local Crime Branch.

Police said the duo began their crime spree in Goa during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, targeting six establishments in the busy Mapusa market area. The burglars broke into bakeries, garment shops and plasticware outlets, decamping with valuables including around Rs 1 lakh in cash from a shop near Braganza Bakery.

The accused then moved into Maharashtra, where they allegedly broke into seven shops along Achra Road in Kankavli on April 5. The following night, they struck again, targeting another seven establishments at the Indira Gandhi Commercial Complex in Sawantwadi.

During interrogation, the duo reportedly confessed to carrying out the cross-border burglaries. They are currently in the custody of Sindhudurg police, while Mapusa police have initiated procedures to secure their transfer to Goa for further questioning and recovery of stolen property.

Further investigation is underway.