Bhopal police made a significant breakthrough on Saturday. Officers from the Koh-e-Fiza police station successfully dismantled an interstate criminal gang. This group was actively planning to loot automated teller machines across the city.
Dramatic Arrest Under the Bridge
Police authorities took swift action based on a crucial tip-off. The operation led to the arrest of five accused individuals. Law enforcement caught the suspects red-handed while they were sitting inside a white sports utility vehicle. This vehicle was parked under the prominent Green Acres Bridge in Bhopal.
At the time of their arrest, the accused men were deeply engrossed in plotting a detailed ATM robbery. They had specifically traveled to Bhopal with the sole intention of committing this major crime.
Recovered Evidence Points to Sophisticated Plan
Following the arrests, police conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. The search yielded a cache of incriminating materials. Officers recovered several sharp-edged weapons intended for use during the heist.
More importantly, police found specialized gas-cutting equipment. This equipment is commonly used for breaking open the sturdy exteriors of ATM machines. Investigators also confiscated cans of black paint spray.
The gang planned to use this spray to disable closed-circuit television cameras near their target locations. This tactic aimed to obscure their identities and hinder police investigations.
Interstate Operations and Deceptive Tactics
All five arrested individuals hail from the states of Haryana and Rajasthan. Police investigations reveal this was not their first criminal endeavor. The accused have a history of executing similar ATM thefts.
Their criminal activities extend beyond Madhya Pradesh. The gang has previously carried out cash thefts by cutting open ATMs in Neemuch district. They have also operated in several other states across India.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone-3, Abhinav Chouksey, provided details on the gang's movements. He stated the men originated from the Mewat region, specifically Nuh in Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.
To evade law enforcement, the accused employed clever deception. They replaced their vehicle's original license plate with counterfeit ones before entering Madhya Pradesh. Throughout their journey, they continually changed the number plates to avoid detection and identification.
Their suspicious behavior under the bridge ultimately led to their downfall. Alert police officers, acting on the tip-off, moved in and apprehended the entire gang, preventing a potential crime spree in Bhopal.
