One held, four booked for renting doctor’s car through rental firm, then escaping with it

“The doctor’s family was looking for extra income, for which they had been renting out their vehicle through a prominent car rental company. The accused allegedly approached him through the company and took the vehicle on rent for three days from Ghatkopar on November 18,” a police officer said.

When the accused failed to return the vehicle and Javar could not be contacted on phone, the doctor approached Ghatkopar police and a case was registered on December 17.

Police traced the main accused using mobile numbers obtained from the complainant. Investigators then found another mobile number that led them to Javar’s residence in Bhiwandi. A trap was laid and the accused was arrested on January 17.

“Anthony and Babu are still on the run. Kumar told the police he had handed over the vehicle to Jain and Vishnoi,” the officer said.

A team was subsequently sent to Rajasthan to trace Jain and Vishnoi. They told the police that the vehicle was being used to illegally smuggle liquor into Gujarat. Kumar, Jain and Vishnoi were not arrested but served notices as per the provisions of the law.

Police said Javar and his accomplices were targeting people who rented out their vehicles through prominent rental companies. “The accused would approach people under the pretext of renting their vehicle. They would then sell the vehicles in Rajasthan,” the officer said.