Maharashtra Bus Theft: An unusual theft attempt at the Jamner bus depot in Jalgaon has drawn attention online after thieves allegedly drove away with a new state transport bus, only to abandon it when a punctured tyre disrupted their escape.

Vehicle theft usually brings to mind motorcycles or cars, but an unusual incident reported from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district has surprised social media users. Thieves allegedly targeted something considerably larger—an entire passenger bus.

The incident reportedly took place late at night at the Jamner depot, where a new bus belonging to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) was allegedly taken away.

However, the attempted getaway did not go according to plan. A problem with one of the bus tyres reportedly forced those involved to abandon the vehicle.

महाराष्ट्र के जामनेर डिपो से चोर पूरी की पूरी बस ही ले उड़े, लेकिन जब उन्हें पता लगा कि बस पंक्चर है तो वो बस को बीच सड़क छोड़कर फरार हो गए... pic.twitter.com/GTUe6AbZGo

— आजाद भारत का आजाद नागरिक (@AnathNagrik) August 12, 2026

Entire Bus Allegedly Driven Out of Jamner Depot

According to media reports, the incident has raised questions over security arrangements at the depot.

The suspects allegedly managed to access the bus and drive it away from the premises without initially being stopped.

Taking a large public-transport vehicle out of a depot unnoticed would ordinarily be considerably more difficult than stealing a smaller vehicle, which is one reason the case has attracted attention online.

A video associated with the incident has also circulated on social media.

Flat Tyre Reportedly Ruined the Escape

The alleged thieves' plan reportedly ran into trouble after they discovered that a tyre on the bus was punctured.

Continuing to drive a large bus under such circumstances would have been difficult and could have caused further damage to the vehicle.

The suspects subsequently abandoned the bus and fled, according to reports.

What began as a potentially serious loss for the transport corporation therefore ended with the vehicle reportedly being recovered after the attempted escape was cut short.

Police Reportedly Examining CCTV Footage

Police are reportedly investigating the incident and examining CCTV footage in an effort to identify those involved.

Surveillance recordings from the depot and surrounding locations could help investigators determine how the suspects entered the premises, obtained access to the bus and managed to move it out.

The circumstances surrounding access to the vehicle may also be examined as part of the investigation.

Incident Triggers Amused Reactions Online

While the alleged theft itself is a serious matter, the unusual choice of vehicle and the unsuccessful getaway have generated humorous reactions on social media.

Users have jokedged about the sheer ambition involved in attempting to steal an entire bus, while others found it ironic that something as simple as a punctured tyre apparently brought the plan to an end.

The episode has consequently attracted attention not only as a reported crime but also because of its unusual circumstances.

Depot Security Could Come Under Scrutiny

Beyond the viral reactions, the incident raises a more important question: how could an unauthorised person reportedly drive a state transport bus out of a depot?

Public-transport depots may contain numerous vehicles and other valuable assets. Access controls, key management, CCTV monitoring and overnight security therefore play an important role in preventing unauthorised vehicle movement.

The investigation may provide more clarity about whether there was a security lapse and how the suspects were allegedly able to gain control of the bus.

Vehicle Theft Remains a Wider Concern

Vehicle theft continues to be reported across Indian cities and states, although the scale and recovery rates vary considerably by region and type of vehicle.

Motorcycles and cars are far more typical targets than full-sized public buses, making the reported Jamner incident particularly unusual.

For now, the bus appears to have escaped a much longer journey—not because the alleged thieves changed their minds, but because a punctured tyre reportedly stopped their plan in its tracks.