The Jaipur city police arrested a notorious burglary suspect on Saturday who allegedly built a multi-state theft network, perfected rapid break-ins, and even ordered a silicone face mask to evade identification. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Prashant Kiran confirmed the arrest of Satpal Singh Chauhan (46), a resident of Manesar in Haryana’s Gurugram district, along with his associate Pawan Kumar Tanwar (39) from Sikar.
Mastermind Behind Multi-State Burglary Gang
Kiran described Chauhan as a habitual offender with an extensive criminal record, adding that raids were underway to apprehend other gang members. Chauhan had been absconding in connection with a burglary in Jaipur’s Jhotwara area and was allegedly the mastermind behind a gang that operated across several states. Investigators found that to avoid detection, he had ordered a custom-made silicone facial mask and paid Rs 2 lakh in advance, though the mask had not yet been delivered.
Details of the Jhotwara Burglary
According to Kiran, Chauhan and three accomplices broke into a flat in Jhotwara in broad daylight and decamped with around Rs 40 lakh in cash and gold and silver jewellery. The victim’s family lodged a complaint on June 12, following which Jhotwara police launched an investigation and scrutinised more than 1,000 CCTV footage clips. The breakthrough came after constable Rajmahendra Singh of the technical team developed intelligence inputs suggesting that Chauhan specialised in targeting vacant flats during the daytime.
Police found that Chauhan had been released on bail from Udaipur Jail on February 10 this year. Investigators matched CCTV footage with his movements and physical features and identified him as the prime suspect. A police team subsequently conducted raids in Sikar and detained Chauhan and Tanwar. During interrogation, the two allegedly confessed to carrying out the burglary with other gang members. Police recovered stolen jewellery, cash, and the vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
Chauhan’s Criminal History and Network
Investigators said Chauhan first went to jail in 2004 in connection with murder, firing, and assault cases in Manesar. During years of incarceration, he allegedly forged links with criminals from different states and later built a burglary network that operated across the country. After securing bail in various cases, he allegedly recruited locals and acquaintances with promises of money and used them to execute thefts.
A history-sheeter at IMT police station in Manesar, Chauhan has 66 criminal cases registered against him, including murder, firing, burglary, and assault. Police said his gang was active in Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Southern India.
Modus Operandi and Evasion Tactics
Investigators said Chauhan personally conducted reconnaissance, identified vulnerable properties, and parked vehicles away from target locations before striking. He allegedly relied on relatives, friends, and youths from his village to carry out operations and frequently altered his appearance to avoid recognition. Police said the gang followed a strict operational rule during burglaries — complete the break-in within a minute and leave without drawing attention.
