Rs 7 Lakh Gold Theft on Mumbai–Pune Expressway Halt: CCTV Exposes Shocking Inside Job Pune | Undercover Editor News Channel, February 17, 2026 A routine food break on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway turned into a nightmare for a Thane-based couple after gold jewellery worth nearly ₹7 lakh was stolen from their cab during a halt at a popular highway food stop. What later emerged from CCTV footage has raised serious concerns about traveller safety, cab accountability, and policing on India’s busiest expressway. The Incident On February 7, Poonam Ahuja (37) and her husband Mandeep Singh Khurana (37) were returning to Mumbai after attending a wedding in Pune. Around 4:15 pm, they stopped at Grand Ocean Cube, a well-known pit stop for travellers. Believing their belongings were safe inside the locked vehicle, the couple stepped out for refreshments for about an hour. It was only after reaching home that Poonam realised her gold bangle and ring were missing from her bag. CCTV Reveals the Truth Suspecting foul play, the couple contacted the cab driver, who denied any involvement. With no immediate FIR registered, they returned to the food mall and sought help from the administration. CCTV footage reviewed by the mall authorities showed a disturbing sequence: the cab driver was seen entering the rear seat of the parked vehicle—where the couple’s bags were kept—and spending several minutes inside while the passengers were away. The complaint was subsequently recorded at Khopoli Police Station, though no FIR was registered at that stage. Unexpected Recovery Frustrated by the slow police response, the couple approached local leaders of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Thane. After reviewing the CCTV footage, swift action followed. By the same evening, the cab driver was summoned, and the stolen gold bangle was recovered. The following day, the gold ring—already sold to a jeweller in Pune—was traced and retrieved, though it had been crudely cut to facilitate resale. “What was meant to be a short hunger break became a harsh lesson. The theft happened in minutes, but the impact stayed with us,” Poonam said. Food Mall Responds The management of Grand Ocean Cube stated that the premises are fully covered by CCTV cameras and that footage was promptly shared once the incident was reported. The mall also operates a lost-and-found cell, as incidents of misplaced valuables are common due to heavy footfall. However, the owner later confirmed that this was the second theft reported at the location in the last three months, raising questions about traveller vigilance and enforcement mechanisms. Police Advisory for Travellers Police officials have issued a fresh advisory urging commuters to exercise caution: Inspector Sachin Hire of Khopoli police warned that thefts are rising not just in buses, but increasingly in private cabs on the expressway. Bigger Questions Remain While the recovery brought relief, the incident highlights gaps in immediate FIR registration, surveillance accountability, and passenger safety enforcement on highways used by thousands daily. As expressway travel grows, so does the need for greater awareness, stricter monitoring, and faster police action—because sometimes, even a brief stop can come at a heavy cost.
