In a bizarre twist to a recent crime spree, Vasai police have arrested a 35-year-old man accused of stealing vehicle batteries across the city. But what shocked investigators wasn’t just the thefts—it was the motive. Kiran Girhane, the accused, allegedly turned to crime to fund the lifestyles of his two legally wedded wives and a girlfriend, a financial burden he called “unbearable.”
The arrest comes after weeks of growing frustration among truck drivers, hotel owners, and daily commuters in Vasai and nearby Virar. Over 50 reports of stolen batteries had flooded police stations since late March, with thieves targeting trucks parked on highways, cars outside hotels, and vehicles in parking lots. “Every morning, someone would find their vehicle dead. No battery, no clues—just anger,” said Ramesh Patel, a truck driver who lost three batteries in a month.
The Hunt for the “Ghost Thief”
Police initially struggled to trace the culprit. Batteries vanished silently, often in busy areas, leaving no witnesses. “The thief worked fast—under two minutes per battery. He knew what he was doing,” explained Senior Police Inspector Shahuraj Ranware of Crime Branch Unit 3.
The breakthrough came when officers combed through 500+ hours of CCTV footage from highways, toll booths, and parking lots. A pattern emerged: a white van with a damaged rear bumper appeared near multiple theft sites. The van’s registration plates were muddy, but detectives tracked its movements to Vikramgad taluka, where Kiran Girhane, a local with a minor theft record, lived.
A Family Drama Fueling Crime
During interrogation, Kiran reportedly confessed to stealing over 30 batteries in two months. But his reason left even seasoned officers stunned. “He has two wives—Suman and Priya—and a live-in partner, Meena. All three women live separately and demand money for household expenses,” said Inspector Ranware.
Kiran, a school dropout, worked odd jobs as a painter and mechanic but claimed his earnings of ₹15,000/month couldn’t cover his families’ demands. “My first wife needs money for our children’s school. The second wants rent paid. Meena asks for groceries. I was drowning,” he told police, according to sources.
Each stolen battery earned Kiran ₹2,000 when sold to scrap dealers. He targeted vehicles at night, parking his van beside them to avoid suspicion. “He’d pop the hood, disconnect the battery, and drive off. Simple but effective,” said Inspector Ranware.
Community Relief, Lingering Questions
The arrest has brought relief to locals. “Finally, we can park without panic,” said hotel owner Kavita Deshmukh, whose customers’ cars were repeatedly targeted. However, the case has also sparked debates about polygamy and financial pressures in rural Maharashtra.
Legal experts note that while polygamy is illegal in India under the Hindu Marriage Act, Kiran’s first marriage was reportedly registered, while the second was a traditional ceremony. His third relationship remains undefined. “This isn’t just a crime story—it’s a reflection of complicated social issues,” said sociologist Dr. Anjali Rao.
What’s Next?
Police have recovered 12 batteries from scrap dealers and are tracking others. Kiran faces charges under IPC sections 379 (theft) and 414 (assisting in concealing stolen property). His wives and partner have been questioned but not charged.
Meanwhile, authorities urge vehicle owners to use battery locks and park in well-lit areas. “Stay vigilant. Thieves look for easy targets,” warned Inspector Ranware.
As for Kiran, he’s reportedly remorseful. “I didn’t want this life,” he told officers. But for the women entangled in his drama, the future remains uncertain. “Who will pay the bills now?” asked Meena, his girlfriend, in a tearful phone interview. “We’re all victims here.”
