Two Arrested in Vindyachal Temple Pickpocketing Case; Cash and Bike Recovered

Vindyachal Police Solve Temple Theft, Apprehend Suspects

The Vindyachal police have successfully resolved a pickpocketing incident that occurred during a visit to the Vindyachal temple. Two accused individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime. Authorities recovered ₹12,200 in stolen cash and the Apache motorcycle used to commit the act.

Swift Action Following SP's Directives

Acting on the written complaint of Ashok Kumar Jaiswal, a resident of Gajepur Sevapur, Varanasi, a case was registered against unknown accused under sections 303(2) and 317(2) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS) at the Vindyachal police station. The incident took place on September 1, 2026, while Jaiswal was visiting the temple.

Recognizing the seriousness of the incident, Superintendent of Police (SP) Aparna Rajat Kaushik issued immediate orders for the swift arrest of the accused and the recovery of the stolen property. A police team, led by the SHO of Vindyachal police station, Sub-Inspector Ajay Kumar Mishra, and Sub-Inspector Rohini Shukla, promptly launched an investigation.

Suspects Apprehended, Recoveries Made

On September 2, 2026, during investigative proceedings, the police team, acting on a tip-off, detained two suspects near the Lal Bhairav temple. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ganesh alias Manoj Kumar (27), son of the late Raghu, from Kantit village, Vindyachal police station, Mirzapur district, and Shailesh Patel (35), son of Bhola Nath Patel, also a resident of Kantit village, Vindyachal police station, Mirzapur district.

Cash and Vehicle Seized

Authorities recovered ₹12,200 in cash from the possession of the arrested suspects, which was stolen from the complainant during the incident. Additionally, the Apache motorcycle, bearing registration number UP 63 AM 9746, used in the commission of the crime, was also recovered. The vehicle has been seized under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Criminal History of Accused

Initial investigations revealed that the arrested accused, Ganesh alias Manoj Kumar, has a prior criminal record. Cases have been registered against him at GRP Mirzapur for theft (Sections 380, 411 IPC) and immoral conduct (Section 401 IPC), as well as under the Arms Act (Sections 4/25 Arms Act) at the Vindyachal police station. Police are currently investigating the criminal history of the other accused, Shailesh Patel.

Legal Proceedings Initiated

The team responsible for the arrests and recoveries included Sub-Inspector Ajay Kumar Mishra, Sub-Inspector Rohini Shukla, Head Constable Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Constable Pappu Kumar, Constable Pramod Kumar, and Women Constable Manisha Yadav. After completing the legal formalities, both accused were presented before the court, from where they have been remanded to judicial custody.