In a significant breakthrough, the Noida Police have apprehended a crucial member of an organized mobile phone snatching gang, dealing a major blow to its operations in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The arrest led to the recovery of a massive cache of stolen mobile phone components, exposing the gang's sophisticated method of dismantling devices to avoid detection.
The Dismantling Expert Captured
Acting on specific intelligence, a team from the Sector 142 police station arrested the fourth gang member, identified as Aman Kumar, from a park in Sector 138. Kumar's role was pivotal; he was the gang's specialist in breaking down stolen mobile phones into individual parts. From his possession, police recovered a staggering 33 mobile phones, 63 mobile displays, 72 mobile frames, and 84 mobile batteries – a total of 252 items. This haul underscores the scale of the gang's activities.
Gang's Modus Operandi Exposed
According to police officials, the gang operated with a clear strategy to cover its tracks. After snatching phones, they would not attempt to sell the intact devices. Instead, Aman Kumar would systematically dismantle them. The spare parts were then supplied to various mobile repair shops across the region. This clever tactic made it extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace the original thefts back to the gang, as the phones ceased to exist in their original form.
Central Noida's Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP), Santosh Kumar, revealed that the gang primarily targeted pedestrians. They conducted reconnaissance on a stolen KTM sports bike before swiftly moving in to snatch phones from unsuspecting victims. The financial motive was strong, with Kumar confessing that the gang earned between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per phone through the sale of its parts.
Previous Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
This latest arrest follows the apprehension of three other gang members just two days prior. On Tuesday, police had arrested Rajkumar, Krishna Kumar, and Sultan alias Mayank. From them, authorities recovered the stolen KTM bike used in the crimes, several stolen mobile phones, and a couple of knives. The police had been actively searching for other associates, particularly the individual responsible for the dismantling and supply chain.
With Aman Kumar's arrest, investigators believe they have significantly crippled the gang's operational capability. He was produced before a court and has been sent to judicial custody. However, police efforts are continuing to track down any remaining associates linked to the network. The case highlights a growing trend in organized crime where stolen electronics are broken down for parts to fuel a parallel grey market, posing a complex challenge for authorities.
