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The Swargate Police Station has arrested a 19-year-old thief, Naresh Jain, resident of Mumbai, for committing robberies in Jain temples. Jain’s modus operandi was to disguise himself as a Jain priest to gain entry into temples.

Jay Parekh, a resident of Citywood society, registered a case of housebreaking after Jain stole a golden crown and chain from his home temple. Investigations revealed that Jain attempted to steal from three to four Jain temples during Kartik Purnima celebrations.

A special team, led by Senior Inspector Yuvraj Nandre, was formed to investigate. The team included Police Constables Dinesh Bhandurge, Shankar Sampate, Sagar Kekan, Kundan Shinde, Rafique Nadaf, Shridhar Patil, and Satish Kumbhar. They arrested Jain in Girgaon, Mumbai, and recovered stolen items worth ₹420,000. Jain confessed to committing the crime for financial gain and has been identified as a habitual offender.

Inspector Yuvraj Nandre urged anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward. The successful operation was led under the guidance of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma, and Senior Inspector Yuvraj Nandre.