Police Trace Stolen Vehicle Using DSP's Mobile After Drug Raid Gone Wrong

Accused nabbed near temple after fleeing with patrol car in Chhattisgarh

A routine drug operation in Ambikapur took an unexpected turn Monday when a suspect made off with a police patrol vehicle during a raid in Sattipora. Quick thinking by the investigating team—who traced the stolen Bolero using a senior officer's mobile phone—led to the vehicle's recovery within minutes and the suspect's arrest.

The incident unfolded around evening when a team led by probationary DSP Nishant Kurre arrived at Sattipora to apprehend a cannabis smuggler named Gopal Namdeo. As the police team conducted a search operation, Namdeo's brother-in-law, Mukesh Namdeo, suddenly jumped from a rooftop onto the street. Spotting the parked police Bolero nearby with its ignition key left inside, Mukesh made a split-second decision.

A Quick Getaway

Without hesitation, Mukesh climbed into the vehicle and drove off, leaving behind what would prove to be a critical mistake—probationary DSP Kurre's mobile phone accidentally left inside the Bolero. The police team immediately initiated a mobile location trace, turning the tables on the fleeing suspect.

"The mobile's GPS signal showed the vehicle had stopped near Ram Mandir," said sources familiar with the operation. The team swiftly moved to Ram Mandir Road, where they spotted the abandoned Bolero parked approximately one kilometre from the initial site. Mukesh Namdeo was found in the vicinity and taken into custody without further incident. Officers recovered the vehicle keys from his possession.

Swift Action Pays Off

The entire recovery operation took just minutes, thanks to the digital tracking. Mukesh Namdeo was brought to Kotwali police station, where a formal case has been registered against him. ASP Amolk Singh of Surguja confirmed the arrest and said preliminary investigations are underway.

"The suspect is currently in police custody. We are examining the circumstances that led to this incident," ASP Singh told reporters on Tuesday morning. The case falls under Kotwali police station's jurisdiction and involves charges related to both the theft of government property and obstruction of a police operation.

What Went Wrong

Police officials acknowledged the oversight that made the theft possible in the first place. Standard protocol requires at least one officer to remain with the vehicle during operational activities. The Sattipora incident has prompted a review of on-ground procedures during narcotics raids.

The theft itself lasted only minutes, but it raised concerns about vehicle security at crime scenes. Senior officers said such incidents, though rare, highlight the need for heightened awareness among field teams. Mukesh Namdeo's actions may now attract additional charges beyond the vehicle theft, depending on his interrogation details.

The drug operation that initially brought police to Sattipora remains ongoing. Officials are continuing their search for primary suspect Gopal Namdeo, the alleged cannabis dealer. The recovered Bolero has been inspected for any damage and cleared for continued use.

The incident reflects both the unpredictability of field operations and the usefulness of modern tracking technology in law enforcement. The DSP's phone, which almost became a liability, ultimately became the tool that resolved the situation.