MAPUSA
In a breakthrough in the October 9 armed robbery at a luxury villa in Calangute, police have arrested three alleged members of the notorious 'Pardhi' gang from Madhya Pradesh following a coordinated operation across Shivpuri and Ashoknagar districts.
The three accused, who were allegedly part of a gang of four that broke into Orchard Villa at Porbawado and looted cash, have been brought to Goa on transit remand.
Police are now working to recover the stolen cash and weapons used in the crime.
The robbery took place around 3.45 am when four men allegedly gained entry into Villa No 37 through a kitchen window. Armed with a screwdriver, knife and catapult, they attacked and threatened the occupants before escaping with cash.
Police used CCTV footage and technical evidence to trace the suspects to Madhya Pradesh.
A special team, with the assistance of local police, first apprehended Harchand Ratanlal Mogiya Adivasi (37), a resident of Chitora in Shivpuri district, under the jurisdiction of Satawada police station.
During interrogation, Harchand allegedly disclosed the involvement of two accomplices. Acting on the information, police raided an area under Kurwai police station in Ashoknagar district and arrested Mangal Keshu Gaya Mongiya (45) and Arun Mangal Mongiya (18).
The investigation has revealed that all three arrested men are members of the notorious 'Pardhi' gang, police said.
The accused were produced before a local court in Madhya Pradesh before being brought to Goa on transit remand.
The operation was conducted by a team led by Calangute police Inspector Laxmi Amonkar and PSI Rajaram Bagkar under the supervision of SP Rahul Gupta and DySP Vishwesh Karpe.
Further investigation is underway to establish the role of the fourth suspect and recover the stolen property.
