In a significant crackdown, the Noida Police has dismantled an interstate robbery gang, arresting six of its members and taking two juveniles into custody. The police have recovered a staggering 821 stolen mobile phones, primarily high-end OnePlus and Apple iPhones, with an estimated value ranging between Rs 6 crore to Rs 8 crore.
How the Gang Was Busted in Noida
The breakthrough came on Tuesday during a routine police check in Kakrala village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Noida Phase 2 police station. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officers intercepted the gang members, leading to their arrest and the discovery of a large cache of premium smartphones from various brands.
According to police officials, the accused operated with a clear modus operandi. They were actively involved in stealing mobile phones from crowded public spaces across the National Capital Region (NCR). Their preferred hunting grounds included local markets, vegetable mandis (markets), fruit markets, and weekly bazaars where people were often distracted.
Modus Operandi: Targeting Jackets and Quick Getaways
The gang showed a seasonal pattern in their crimes. Police revealed that they primarily targeted people during the winter season, focusing on individuals wearing jackets. Phones kept in jacket pockets were considered easier marks for theft. The accused worked in coordinated groups, capitalizing on moments of public distraction to snatch devices.
To evade detection and prevent recovery, they employed a swift handover tactic. If a thief suspected they were about to be caught after stealing a phone, they would immediately pass it to an accomplice. This made it difficult for victims or security personnel to trace the stolen item back to the perpetrator.
Interstate Smuggling Route to Nepal Uncovered
Once a substantial number of phones were accumulated, the gang's operation took on an interstate dimension. The accused, most of whom hailed from Jharkhand and Bihar, would travel by train to their native states. The final destination for the stolen goods, however, was international.
Officers stated that every two to three months, the collected mobile phones were systematically shipped to Nepal for sale, creating a lucrative cross-border smuggling racket. The preference for expensive models was a deliberate choice to maximize profits. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shakti Mohan Awasthi confirmed, "Most of the recovered phones are OnePlus devices, followed by iPhones, indicating that the gang specifically targeted expensive smartphones."
The arrested adults have been identified as Govinda Mahto (32), Rohit Saini (20), Shyam Kumar Rai (23), Bhartiya Mahto (35), Shekhar (25), and Pradeep Kumar (32). Police investigations revealed that several accused originally from Jharkhand and Bihar were currently residing in the Bisrakh area of Noida. Educational backgrounds varied, with two accused having studied up to Class 12, while others, including the juveniles, were found to be illiterate.
The police also disclosed that the accused and the detained juveniles were already implicated in multiple criminal cases registered at the Phase 2 police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This major recovery and arrest operation highlights the persistent efforts of the Noida Police to tackle organized theft rings operating in the bustling National Capital Region.
