The Mumbai police had to rely on footage from cameras installed on a BMC's mechanical power sweeper van (road cleaning vehicle) after struggling to identify two men who were deliberately ramming into motorists and then robbing them on the Eastern Express Highway near Vikhroli. The police said that the rising number of such incidents, combined with the lack of lighting on the highway, made it difficult for investigators to identify the suspects, however, the cameras installed on the van helped identify them, following which the duo was arrested in Thane. According to police officials, the most recent incident took place around 10.30 pm on April 4, when two individuals accosted a biker named Swapnil Laxman Bhabude. Swanil was on his way to his home in Mulund when the two accused deliberately overtook him and caused an accident. “The two accused then charged at Bhabude, threatened and assaulted him, after which they snatched his motorcycle and mobile phone before fleeing the scene,” said an officer, adding, “He was in shock after the incident, which is why he returned home and reported the matter at the police station the following day. A case was then registered,” police officials said. Police said the complainant was unable to provide any descriptive details about the robbers. Investigators initially reviewed footage from CCTV cameras installed near the scene, but due to the darkness on the highway, the suspects could not be identified. However, officials continued questioning the complainant, who eventually recalled that a mechanical power sweeping van, a small tempo, a truck, and several cars had passed by during the robbery. “We then checked CCTV footage and traced the route of the mechanical power sweeping van. We were able to obtain its registration number, after which the driver and two cleaners were brought in. They informed us that cameras were installed on their vehicle,” said an officer. The police then reviewed the footage, in which the two robbers were clearly captured by a forward-facing camera on the vehicle, illuminated by its headlights. Investigators subsequently reviewed footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras installed along the highway and in adjoining areas to track the suspects. They were eventually identified as Vedant Sachin Yeram (23) and Kunal Mukesh Sondkar (23), and were located at their residence in Thane. Police said they are now investigating whether the duo was involved in any other robberies.
