Varanasi: Man Arrested for Looting Videographers' Cameras Through Fake Event Bookings
In a significant breakthrough, the Ghosi police in Mau district have arrested a man accused of orchestrating a sophisticated scam targeting professional videographers. The suspect, identified as Arpit Mishra, allegedly used deceptive tactics to lure videographers with fake event bookings, only to loot their expensive camera equipment and kits.
Police Action and Recovery of Stolen Goods
Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officials conducted a raid in the market area after informers alerted them about a suspicious individual. The police successfully apprehended Mishra, who is a resident of Jagarnath Puri Betiahata in Gorakhpur district. Following his arrest, Mishra cooperated with investigators during interrogation, confessing to multiple incidents of camera looting.
Based on the information provided by the accused, the police recovered seven high-end cameras valued at approximately Rs20 lakh. Additionally, an SUV used in the commission of the crimes was also seized. The recovered cameras belong to various reputable brands, highlighting the significant financial loss incurred by the victims.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
According to police reports, Mishra's method involved booking videographers over phone calls for purported events. He would then pick them up in his SUV, creating a facade of legitimacy. During the journey, Mishra would either ask the videographers to step out to purchase water or forcibly push them out of the vehicle, before swiftly driving away with their valuable camera equipment.
This cunning strategy allowed Mishra to execute his crimes with minimal resistance, leaving the videographers stranded and robbed of their professional gear.
Widespread Impact and Legal Proceedings
The arrest has shed light on the extensive reach of Mishra's criminal activities. Police authorities have confirmed that at least 14 cases of camera looting are registered against him across multiple districts, including Basti, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, and Mau. This indicates a pattern of predatory behavior targeting videographers in the region.
Mau Circle Officer (Ghosi) Jitendra Singh emphasized the diligence of the Dohrighat police, who were on patrolling duty when the tip-off was received. Their prompt response led to the successful arrest and recovery of stolen property, marking a crucial step in curbing such fraudulent activities.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance among professionals in the event management and videography sectors, as well as the effectiveness of community informers in aiding law enforcement efforts.
