Raipur/Raigarh, April 4 (NationPress) In a significant development, the police in Raigarh district have dismantled an organized syndicate linked to motorcycle theft, apprehending nine individuals, including the main perpetrator, while recovering a total of 21 stolen motorcycles valued at around Rs 15 lakh.

The operation details were disclosed by the Raigarh police at a press briefing conducted on Saturday afternoon at the Police Control Room.

In response to an increase in motorcycle theft incidents throughout the district, Station House Officers (SHOs) heightened their surveillance efforts. Acting on precise intelligence, a collaborative team from the Cyber Police Station and Punjipathra Police Station apprehended Sukhdev Chauhan, a resident of Dhouradand village located within the Lailunga police station jurisdiction.

Upon questioning, Sukhdev Chauhan admitted to collaborating with his accomplice Shiv Nagvanshi in stealing motorcycles from regions including Punjipathra, Dharamjaigarh, and parts of Odisha. He confessed to stealing a Passion Pro from the Saraipali market in July 2025, a Pulsar from Tumidih market in August 2025, and an HF Deluxe from Poriya village in March 2026.

Sukhdev disclosed that he sold the stolen motorcycles to nine individuals—Kartik Ram Dungdung, Ramkumar Vaishnav, Keshav Yadav, Bhojram Painkra, Jagdish Painkra, Shivcharan Chauhan, Sukhcharan Chauhan, Amit Kumar Nagvanshi, and Shivprasad Vishwakarma—all of whom have since been arrested.

The police managed to recover 14 motorcycles from the arrested buyers and discovered an additional seven bikes concealed in Sukhdev's backyard, bringing the total to 21 motorcycles recovered.

The suspects, who are experienced drivers and adept at vehicle repair, reportedly utilized basic tools such as screwdrivers to unlock motorcycle locks. They concealed the stolen vehicles in isolated areas before selling them at significantly reduced prices.

Authorities mentioned that one more individual connected to this syndicate remains at large.

Following these revelations, Section 112(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been invoked against the primary accused for organized theft. The buyers face charges under Sections 317(2) and 317(4) of the BNS for trafficking in stolen goods and have been placed in judicial custody.

This operation has relieved local residents who have been troubled by frequent motorcycle thefts in the area. The police have urged the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to two-wheelers.