Arrest of a Notorious Interstate Burglar
The Jaipur police have arrested Satpal Singh Chauhan, alias Satpal Fauji, a 46-year-old history-sheeter with 66 cases of burglary and housebreaking registered against him since 2004. His associate, Pawan Kumar Tanwar, was also taken into custody. The arrests followed investigations into two daytime burglaries in closed flats in the Jhotwara and Karni Vihar areas.
Modus Operandi and Disguises
DCP West Prashant Kiran revealed that Satpal Fauji used sophisticated disguises to avoid identification. “Because he is so notorious, and his photos and videos are in police stations everywhere, he had a silicone mask made for himself, a full-face mask. He had a wig over it. He had two or three such masks, and was preparing for his next crime,” Kiran said. The gang operated during the day, targeting homes, and in one instance, the burglar spent less than 50 seconds inside a house, stealing everything he wanted.
Investigation and Evidence
A special team was formed to investigate the two burglaries. CCTV footage and other evidence linked the same person to both crimes. “It was revealed that the person seen in both burglaries was also involved in a house theft,” the DCP added. Based on informant inputs, police identified Satpal Fauji as the suspect, leading to his arrest after tracking him through numerous CCTV recordings.
Extensive Criminal Record
Satpal Fauji has a long criminal history, with cases filed against his gang in more than 12 states. So far, police have identified over 20 members of the gang. The DCP stated, “His main method is to steal items from homes. In one burglary, he spent less than fifty seconds inside the house, and within that fifty seconds, he stole everything he wanted, as evidenced by the footage and other details.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing their investigation to trace other gang members and recover stolen items. The arrests highlight the effectiveness of using CCTV footage and informant networks in cracking down on interstate criminal networks.
