Motorcycle Theft Gang Busted in Ranchi, 8 Arrested and 10 Vehicles Recovered

Dhurwa police have busted a motorcycle theft gang and arrested eight people in connection with a series of vehicle thefts in Ranchi and neighbouring areas. Police said 10 stolen vehicles, including eight motorcycles, have been recovered during the operation.

According to police, the gang targeted motorcycles parked at weekly markets and other crowded locations. After stealing the vehicles, the accused allegedly changed their registration plates and sold them in rural areas, making it difficult to trace the stolen vehicles.

The breakthrough came on August 25 when Dhurwa police were conducting a vehicle-checking drive near the Swarnarekha River bridge on the Sithiyo-Dhurwa road at around 2.30 pm.

During the checking, three men travelling on two motorcycles allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the police. Officers pursued them towards Sithiyo and managed to intercept them. A verification of the registration numbers revealed that one of the motorcycles had reportedly been stolen.

During questioning, police allegedly obtained information about the wider network involved in the theft and subsequent sale of the vehicles. A special team was then formed and raids were conducted at several locations.

Based on information provided by the arrested suspects, police recovered eight stolen motorcycles. Five additional people allegedly involved in purchasing and selling stolen vehicles were also arrested during the investigation.

Police said the operation has helped in tracing several motorcycle theft cases registered in Ranchi and adjoining districts. Investigators are now examining the recovered vehicles and questioning the accused to establish the full extent of the network and identify other possible members.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Bharat Baitha (26), Sunil Karmali (25), Rohit Oraon (22), Rohit Kumar Munda (28), Pradeep Oraon, Sanjay Ganjhu (22), Sarju Munda and Sumit Oraon (29).

Police said Bharat Baitha, Sunil Karmali and Rohit Oraon had previously been named in cases related to theft and other offences.

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The recovered vehicles include motorcycles such as the SP Shine, Apache, Hero Honda Deluxe, Honda Shine, Super Splendor, Passion Pro and Yamaha R15, among others.

A case has been registered at Dhurwa police station under Case No. 226/26, dated August 25, 2026, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of Hatia DSP Neeraj Kumar Jha by a joint team comprising police personnel from Dhurwa, Jagannathpur, Tatisilwai, McCluskieganj and Assembly police stations.

Dhurwa police station in-charge Anil Kumar Tiwari and other police officers and armed personnel were part of the team.

Police are now investigating the alleged supply chain through which stolen motorcycles were being moved and sold, as well as checking whether the gang was connected to other vehicle theft cases reported in and around Ranchi.