UP STF nabs temple theft accused wanted in Maharashtra, arrested in Siddharthnagar after joint operation

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Friday arrested a man wanted by Maharashtra Police in connection with a temple theft case that had triggered communal tensions in Thane district.The accused, identified as Ajay Ramavatar Pasi, was apprehended from Parsa Station Road Crossing in the Shohratgarh area of Siddharthnagar district.Pasi, a resident of Kushwahagaon Ward No 7 in Nepal, was absconding in a case registered at Narpoli police station in Bhiwandi.The case relates to the alleged theft of jewellery adorning a Hanuman temple idol and cash from the temple’s donation box, an incident that had heightened tensions in the locality and prompted heightened police deployment.Officials said the sensitive nature of the case led Maharashtra Police to intensify efforts to track down the accused, eventually seeking assistance from the UP STF.Acting on this request, the STF’s Gorakhpur field unit launched a targeted intelligence operation under the supervision of deputy superintendent of police Dharmesh Kumar Shahi, leading the team.DySP Shahi, told TOI that specific inputs were developed on June 5 indicating Pasi’s presence in the Shohratgarh area.Based on the intelligence, a joint team of UP STF and Maharashtra Police carried out a coordinated raid at Parsa Station Road Crossing and successfully arrested the accused without incident.“During preliminary interrogation, Pasi reportedly confessed to his involvement in the theft,” added Shahi.Officials said efforts are underway to recover the stolen ornaments and cash, with further questioning to be carried out by the investigating officer in Maharashtra.Following the arrest, Pasi was produced at Shohratgarh police station, where legal formalities were completed. Maharashtra Police have initiated transit remand proceedings and are expected to take custody of the accused shortly to transport him to Thane for detailed investigation and further legal action.Police officials said the arrest underscores strong interstate coordination and intelligence-sharing between Uttar Pradesh STF and Maharashtra Police, particularly in cases with communal sensitivity. “Timely action and close coordination ensured that the accused was traced and apprehended quickly, preventing any further escalation linked to the case,” an STF officer said.