The investigation into the high-profile robbery at the residence of businessman Santosh Ladda continues to gather momentum. On Monday (June 23), police arrested the 20th accused in the case, further strengthening their case against the gang involved.
The latest arrest was made in Ambajogai, where the accused, Rajesh Shrikrishna Sathe (30), a resident of Bhat Galli, was taken into custody. According to Crime Branch Police Inspector Sambhaji Pawar, Sathe is a close friend of the prime accused, Suresh Gangane. It has been revealed that after the robbery, Gangane entrusted Sathe with some of the stolen gold for sale, bringing Sathe under the police radar.
Sathe was produced before First Class Judicial Magistrate S.S. Jadhav, who remanded him to police custody until June 26. Advocate Prakash Untwal represented Sathe during the court proceedings.
Investigations suggest that Sathe was actively involved with the six main accused during their movements following the robbery. Police believe that he might possess crucial information regarding the unrecovered stolen gold. Furthermore, suspicious conversations on Sathe’s mobile phone with Gangane and other accused have come to light. Authorities suspect these chats may lead to vital clues in tracing the remaining gold.
Significantly, Sathe has a rape case registered against him in Ambajogai in 2016, adding a new dimension to his criminal profile. His prior record could provide further leads for investigators probing deeper into the network.
With this latest development, the total number of arrests in the Santosh Ladda robbery case has risen to 20. Police officials have confirmed that surveillance on additional suspects is ongoing and the investigation has now entered a more comprehensive and aggressive phase.