62-year-old Ravi Pujari gang member arrested

The special squad set up by Amitabh Gupta, additional commissioner of police (west region), has arrested a 62-year-old member of the Ravi Pujari gang from Jogeshwari east.

The special squad set up by Amitabh Gupta, additional commissioner of police (west region), has arrested a 62-year-old member of the Ravi Pujari gang from Jogeshwari east.

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Vasant Suvarna, who is originally from Bangalore, was living in Bhiwandi, the police said.

The special squad seized a 7.65mm pistol, which is often used by the Pujari gang members, two live rounds and a magazine from him.

“We received a tip-off that Suvarna was to deliver the weapon at Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road. The pistol is the one that was used by the robbers who had targetted Shubham Jewellery showroom in Vasai last month. The robbers had stolen ornaments worth Rs 42 lakh,” said police sub-inspector Nitin Patil of the special squad.

Suvarna was recruited by Ashok Chaudhary, a close Pujari aide, and used to also report to him.

The police said Suvarna used to recruit men for to carry out tasks on behalf of the gang and also provide them with weapons. But he would take the weapons back after the job was done. He would get his share in the loot whether or not he participated in the crime, said the police.

“Suvarna was the mastermind behind many robberies across the city, including that at the Vasai jewellery shop,” added Patil.