In a significant crackdown, the Noida Police have apprehended a three-member gang involved in a dual pattern of crime: blackmailing couples in public parks and snatching mobile phones from lone individuals. The arrests, made on Sunday, have exposed a disturbing modus operandi that preyed on people's privacy and safety.
Modus Operandi: From Parks to Desolate Roads
The accused targeted couples spending time in various parks across the city. They would secretly capture photographs or videos of the unsuspecting pairs. Subsequently, they approached the couples and threatened to circulate the compromising material on social media platforms unless a payment was made. This systematic extortion racket instilled fear and exploited personal moments.
After dark, the trio shifted their focus. They took to deserted roads to snatch mobile phones, often targeting solitary commuters and delivery executives. This combination of daytime blackmail and nighttime robbery made them a persistent threat in the area.
The Arrest and Major Recoveries
The breakthrough came from a police team from Sector-58, led by ACP Swatantra Singh. The accused were nabbed near JP College Road in Sector-62, where they were allegedly planning another criminal act. The police conducted a thorough search and made substantial recoveries from their possession.
The seized items include:
- 12 stolen mobile phones
- A car allegedly used in committing the offences
- A country-made pistol
- A knife
- Live cartridges
Officials are currently verifying whether the recovered car was itself a stolen vehicle.
Profiles of the Accused and Criminal Background
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ritesh Kumar (21) from Shahjahanpur, Gajendra Solanki (35) from Kasganj, and Pawan alias Gundi (30) from Bareilly. All three were residing together in a rented accommodation in Khoda, Ghaziabad. Police have stated that Gajendra Solanki acted as the gang's main operative.
According to Additional DCP Shavya Goyal, the men had moved to Noida approximately six months ago in search of daily wage labor. However, they eventually turned to crime, driven by drug addiction and financial difficulties. Investigations have revealed that all three have prior criminal records, with cases of theft and robbery registered against them in Noida and their native districts.
The police action was triggered by a recent complaint where a man reported being photographed with a female friend at a park and then extorted for money. Furthermore, an incident on December 20, where the trio allegedly snatched a phone from a delivery executive near Sector-62, led to a formal case at the Sector-58 police station and intensified the search for the culprits.
Police have disclosed that the stolen phones were sold at low prices to shopkeepers in Delhi, with the proceeds divided among the accused. Authorities are now working to identify other possible associates linked to this gang. A comprehensive investigation into their activities is currently underway.
