In a significant crackdown, the Saifai police in Uttar Pradesh's Etawah district have successfully dismantled an active inter-district vehicle theft gang. The operation led to the arrest of 11 accused individuals and the recovery of a substantial cache of stolen property, putting a stop to a series of motorcycle thefts plaguing the area.
Operation Muchehara: The Tip-Off and Arrest
Acting on persistent complaints about frequent motorcycle thefts in and around the Saifai Medical University area, police were on high alert. The breakthrough came from a specific tip-off. On Friday, under the directives of SSP Brajesh Kumar Srivastava, a police team was conducting checks at the Muchehara intersection.
They received crucial information that six accused persons, riding three stolen motorcycles, were heading from PGI Saifai towards Muchehara. The team swiftly cordoned off the area and managed to arrest all six individuals on the spot, seizing the stolen bikes with them.
Gang's Modus Operandi and Further Recoveries
Interrogation of the arrested men revealed a sophisticated operation. The gang would first conduct reconnaissance in the Saifai PGI area and neighbouring districts. To avoid detection by law enforcement, they did not sell the stolen motorcycles intact. Instead, they adopted a cunning method:
- Dismantling the vehicles completely.
- Selling the parts separately at different locations.
- Using two motorcycle mechanics within the gang to assist in the dismantling process.
The accused also disclosed that motorcycles stolen from other districts were often parked in the Saifai Medical University parking area to blend in and avoid suspicion. Later, these vehicles were moved to a room near Saifai railway station, which served as their dismantling unit.
Based on this information, police raided the hideout and recovered 10 more stolen motorcycles and one motorcycle engine. The total haul from the operation included:
- 12 stolen motorcycles
- Dismantled parts of one motorcycle
- One engine
- An illegal pistol
- Two live cartridges
- Two knives
All arrested accused are residents of various areas in Etawah and Mainpuri districts.
Recognition and Conclusion
Applauding the successful operation, SSP Brajesh Kumar Srivastava announced a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for the Saifai police team. The team was led by Inspector Bhupendra Rathi. This operation highlights effective community policing and intelligence work, bringing relief to residents and vehicle owners in the region who had been affected by the thefts for a long time.
