Vadodara: A 26-year-old vehicle thief, who used to fabricate stories about his wife’s illness to convince unsuspecting villagers to buy stolen motorcycles has been arrested by the detection of crime branch from the city. The accused, identified as Ashfaq Chauhan, is involved in more than 20 vehicle thefts across Vadodara and Anand districts.According to crime branch sleuths, Chauhan was spotted in Harni after police received information that he was riding a stolen motorcycle. When the cops attempted to stop him, he fled towards Dumad crossroads. A police team pursued him for a few kilometres and eventually managed to nab him.Chauhan was asked to produce documents proving ownership of the motorcycle. However, he failed to provide any valid papers. Police said he subsequently admitted that he had stolen the motorbike.Investigators found that Chauhan had stolen four more motorcycles from Fatehgunj, Harni and Vasad in the last one month. After stealing the vehicles, he would travel to neighbouring villages and offer them for sale at lower prices.Police said Chauhan would tell prospective buyers that he urgently needed money for his wife’s medical treatment. He used the emotional appeal to avoid detailed questions about the motorcycles and their missing ownership documents. Some people purchased the vehicles without verifying their records.Investigators said Chauhan mainly targeted motorcycles parked near highways. The vehicles were often left unattended by owners who had travelled to other cities for work, making them easy targets. After his arrest, the crime branch is investigating his possible involvement in other thefts and related offences.Cops will also question the buyers who had purchased the stolen motorcycles and are attempting to trace and recover the remaining vehicles.
