Garage mechanic held for robbing cars to pay his kids’ school fees

THANE:THE Thane anti-extortion cell has arrested a garage mechanic who allegedly stole seven cars, changed their chassis number and engine number and sold them to customers at market value. Police said the accused had done so in order to pay the school fees of his six children.

The accused, Inayat Rehmatulla Shah,31, is a resident of Ghatkopar area.

Police said Shah used to buy cars damaged in accidents that are auctioned by insurance companies. After the purchase, he would get original registration papers for the car, and then steal a car of the same model and colour. He would then replace the stolen car’s number plate, chassis number and engine number with those of the car he had just purchased. Shah would then sell off the car at market price to customers.

“He had stolen seven cars from Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai. We have recovered seven cars, which are valued at ₹40 lakh combined,” said Pradeep Sharma, senior police inspector from Thane anti-extortion cell.

Police said Shah had been unable to pay the school fees of his six children. His family and friends did not lend him any money. Following the advice of his friend, Arjun Kumar, Shah decided to steal and sell cars. Police are on the lookout for Kumar.

Hemant Dhole, police sub-inspector from Thane anti-extortion cell, said they are recording the statements of two of the car owners whose vehicles were stolen. A case has been registered with the Naupada police station, he said.