Gang of thieves targeting vessels at Alang busted

RAJKOT: Twenty-three members of a gang of thieves, who targeted dead ships that come to Alang ship breaking yard in Bhavnagar, were arrested in last four days. The Alang marine police has seized goods worth Rs 9.37 lakh from eight persons who were arrested on Saturday and Sunday. The seized goods include televisions, electronic equipments, brass utensils and other items.Cops have also seized eight boats from the accused.
According to police inspector D K Gadchar of Alang Marine Police Station, most of the accused belong to coastal village of Sartanpur near the ship breaking yard.
However, the masterminds, who planned the theft from vessels waiting to be dismantled at Alang, belong to Talaja town of Bhavnagar. "They have been identified as Zabir alias Hafiz Bailive and Asif Yousuf. Both the accused are on the run," said Gadchar.
The theft came to light after one of the shipping agents, Naresh Khuman, lodged a complaint with Alang marine police station alleging that goods were stolen from one of the ship that he had brought for breaking.
According to police, the gang had a fixed modus operandi. They targeted vessel while it was waiting for it turn to enter the yard at the anchorage point.
"The gang used to come in boats and climb the vessel. As there is nobody in the vessel, the gang members used to target it. They stole electronic items, articles made of brass and other metals.," said Gadchar.
The accused were identified as Afzal Gondigadha from Talaja, Bharat Chauhan, Vishal Chauhan, Bharat Mer, Ashok Chudasama, Popat Mer, Raj Baraiya and Dilip Baraiya -- all from fishing village Sartanpur near Alang. The village has population of over 10,000, mostly fishing community. There are nearly 200-250 boats in the village.
"We have arrested only 23 people involved in this one theft case. It is suspected that more people will be involved. More names will be revealed during interrogation of the arrested accused," said Gadchar.