Pratapgarh Police Cracks Down on Temple Bell Theft Syndicate
In a significant breakthrough, the Pratapgarh police have successfully busted an inter-district criminal gang that was systematically stealing bells from temples across several districts. The operation led to the arrest of one of the gang's key operatives, identified as Amarnath Tiwari, aged 50, a resident of Kohdaur. The arrest was made on Sunday, marking a crucial step in curbing this illicit activity.
Seizure of Stolen Goods and Evidence
During the arrest, police confiscated substantial evidence from Tiwari's possession. This included a large brass bell weighing approximately 50 kilograms, which is believed to have been stolen from one of the targeted temples. Additionally, authorities seized a motorcycle used by the gang for transportation, an iron cutter presumably employed to detach the bells, and cash amounting to Rs 1,850. These items are now under police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Gang's Modus Operandi and Criminal History
The gang had developed a sophisticated method for their thefts. They would first conduct reconnaissance during the daytime to identify vulnerable temples, then execute the actual thefts under the cover of midnight. This strategy allowed them to operate stealthily across multiple districts, including Pratapgarh, Amethi, Sultanpur, Rae Bareli, and Prayagraj.
Amarnath Tiwari is not a first-time offender; police records indicate that he has ten criminal cases pending against him, highlighting his involvement in various illegal activities. The gang's primary motive was financial gain, as they would sell the stolen brass bells at Sultanpur's Thatheri mandi, a local market, for prices ranging between Rs 500 to Rs 600 per kilogram. The proceeds were then distributed among the gang members.
Ongoing Manhunt for Accomplices
While Tiwari's arrest is a major victory, the police are actively pursuing the other two key members of the gang. These individuals have been identified as Arvind Gupta from Amethi and Ramesh Tiwari from Pratapgarh. Authorities are intensifying their search efforts to apprehend them and fully dismantle the network.
The crackdown on this temple bell theft ring underscores the police's commitment to protecting religious sites and combating organized crime in the region. Further investigations are underway to uncover any additional links or crimes associated with the gang.
