In a significant crackdown on vehicle theft, the Crime Branch of Chandigarh Police has successfully dismantled a gang of vehicle lifters, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of a large cache of stolen two-wheelers.
Major Police Operation Nets Accused
Acting on specific intelligence and after sustained surveillance, a team comprising around 20 police personnel launched a targeted drive against vehicle lifters active in the city. The operation, conducted under the directions of SP (Crime) Jasbir Singh, resulted in the apprehension of three adult accused and one minor from various locations across Chandigarh.
The police identified the arrested individuals as Ranbir Singh (20) from Malerkotla district, Punjab; Manjit, alias Sujal (21), a resident of Khuda Lahora, Chandigarh; and Vijay Kumar (34) from Mohali district, Punjab. The operation was carried out under the guidance of DSP (Crime) Dhiraj Kumar and the supervision of SHO Inspector Satvinder Singh.
Recovery of Stolen Vehicles and Criminal Histories
The arrests proved highly fruitful, leading to the recovery of 17 stolen motorcycles and scooters. The recovered vehicles, which include popular models like Honda Activa scooters and Splendor and Platina motorcycles, were linked to 13 separate First Information Reports (FIRs) registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and BNSS.
The stolen two-wheelers belonged to victims from police station areas including Maloya, Sector 17, Sector 3, Sector 39, IT Park, Sarangpur, Sector 36, Sector 34, and Sector 11. Notable recoveries included a motorcycle with registration number CH01CA8301 and a Platina motorcycle bearing number PB65-AW-4372, among others with Haryana and Chandigarh registrations.
Investigations revealed that the accused had prior criminal involvements. Ranbir Singh has a previous case registered under the NDPS Act at Sector 11 police station. Manjit, alias Sujal, has a criminal history with a robbery case also registered at Sector 11 police station. Vijay Kumar, however, was found to have no previous criminal record. The apprehended juvenile also has a prior theft case registered at the Sector 11 police station.
Modus Operandi and Ongoing Investigation
According to police officials, the gang primarily targeted parked two-wheelers in both residential and commercial areas of the city. After stealing the vehicles, they would either alter their appearance to avoid detection before selling them off or use them for personal transportation.
The police have stated that further investigation is actively underway to determine the full extent of the gang's activities and their potential involvement in other unsolved theft cases in the region. The successful operation has provided relief to numerous victims and demonstrated the efficacy of coordinated police action based on secret inputs.
