Mapusa: In a major breakthrough for the Konkan region police network, a coordinated operation between Goa and Maharashtra authorities has led to the arrest of two seasoned burglars responsible for a string of heists across states.The suspects, identified as Rahul alias Diwan Omprakash Tomar, 36, and Rajpath Santram Pal, 52, both hailing from Uttar Pradesh, were apprehended at Roha in Raigad district of Maharashtra, following a 30-hour manhunt by the Sindhudurg local crime branch.The duo’s spree began in Goa during the intervening night of last Thursday and Friday, where they targeted six establishments in the heart of Mapusa market. Focusing on bakeries, clothing stores and plasticware outlets, the thieves decamped with loot, including ₹1 lakh in cash from an outlet near Braganza Bakery.Far from slowing down, the pair crossed into Maharashtra, allegedly breaking into seven shops on Achra road in Kankavli on April 5, followed by another seven at the Indira Gandhi Commercial Complex in Sawantwadi, the very next night.During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the cross-border crimes. While they are currently in the custody of the Sindhudurg police, Mapusa police authorities have initiated the formal transfer process to bring the duo back to Goa for further questioning and recovery of the stolen valuables. Further investigation is in progress.
