17 Hungarian, Lahori pigeons worth Rs 2.5 lakh stolen at Bhiwandi

Two youths have been arrested for stealing 17 exotic pigeons valued at Rs2.50 lakh from a village near Bhiwandi.

Two youths have been arrested for stealing 17 exotic pigeons valued at Rs2.50 lakh from a village near Bhiwandi. These pigeons are breeds that originated in Hungary and Lahore and were bought from Kolkata by a breeder, Vaibhav Mhatre, who lives in Pimplepar village in Kongaon, Bhiwandi, and kept in special cages at his home.

The complainant had bought the pigeons almost eight months back. (HT Photo)

The two accused, one of whom is a minor, also kept pigeons but they could afford only local breeds. So they decided to steal Mhatre’s pigeons over two days last week. It was only on the second day that Mhatre noticed the thefts, said Pawan Nandre, investigation officer from Kongaon police station.

After an informer alerted the police, they laid a trap and caught the two near Mankoli Naka trying to sell the pigeons. Three of the pigeons have so far been recovered.