UP STF nabs temple theft accused wanted in Thane

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 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 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.Officials said efforts are under way to recover the stolen ornaments and cash, with further questioning to be carried out by the investigating officer in Maharashtra.Maharashtra Police 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.