Delhi Police Uncover Unusual 'Doodh Chor' Racket in Uttam Nagar
A viral video capturing an auto-rickshaw moving stealthily through southwest Delhi's Uttam Nagar in the early morning has led police to dismantle a peculiar criminal operation. In a twist on typical theft cases, the targeted items were not gold or conventional valuables but everyday dairy essentials like milk and curd, earning the perpetrators the nickname "doodh chor" or milk thieves.
Viral CCTV Footage Sparks Police Investigation
The incident came to light on March 26 when CCTV footage showed two men arriving in an auto-rickshaw around 6:50 AM. They were seen swiftly loading crates filled with milk pouches that had just been unloaded outside a vendor's shop. This video surfaced on social media two days later, quickly going viral and catching the attention of law enforcement authorities.
"A dedicated team analyzed approximately 300 CCTV recordings and activated informers to identify and track down the duo," stated DCP (Outer) Vikram Singh. As more dairy consignments mysteriously vanished from outside shops in Uttam Nagar, what initially appeared as minor pilferage revealed itself to be part of a more organized scheme, prompting police to follow an unconventional investigative trail.
Police Operation Leads to Arrests
On April 3, authorities received crucial information that two individuals—Mohit, aged 27, and Ayush Maan Pandey, aged 19—were involved in these thefts and would be arriving near a church in Shiv Vihar, Vikas Nagar. Police laid a trap and intercepted a three-wheeler tempo approaching from the Najafgarh drain side, subsequently apprehending both suspects.
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered 14 empty milk crates. The duo could not produce valid documentation for the tempo, which was later confirmed to have been stolen from Prem Nagar. Mohit and Ayush confessed to stealing milk and curd consignments from Uttam Nagar and selling them to "supply points" in nearby Dabri and Bindapur areas.
Criminal History and Additional Charges
Police investigations revealed that the two were responsible for the theft of 14 milk crates and 10 kilograms of curd. Furthermore, Mohit has a significant criminal record, having been previously involved in 38 cases of snatching and motor vehicle theft. He was released from jail just this February.
The arrests also uncovered recent vehicle thefts committed by the pair. Authorities seized a stolen scooter and a motorcycle from their possession, adding to the charges against them. This case highlights how seemingly minor crimes can be connected to broader criminal activities, emphasizing the importance of thorough police work in addressing all levels of theft and illegal operations.
