Lucknow: Police on Tuesday dismantled a family-operated pickpocketing syndicate, apprehending five individuals originally from the notorious Palwal region in Haryana. The accused had allegedly arrived in the city, rented accommodation, conducted reconnaissance of crowded routes, and systematically targeted women commuters while disguising themselves as balloon sellers.
Arrest and Recovery
The gang, which included two couples and another woman, was arrested by the Madiaon police near Naubasta following a tip-off. Authorities recovered a gold-coloured necklace, two chains, two mangalsutras, a maang tikka, a ring, a pair of earrings, and Rs 29,400 in cash from the group.
Modus Operandi
ADCP, North Zone, Twinkle Jain, who led the investigation, revealed that the gang used the cover of selling balloons to move freely around intersections, markets, and transport hubs without raising suspicion. “They appeared like ordinary roadside vendors and labourers, which made it difficult for victims or bystanders to suspect them,” she stated.
The accused first carried out detailed surveillance of busy e-rickshaw and shared-tempo routes frequented by women passengers carrying handbags and jewellery. After identifying vulnerable routes and crowded timings, the gang members would board public transport alongside commuters and quietly steal chains, mangalsutras, rings, and cash during the journey before slipping away unnoticed.
Operational Base
Jain added that the gang had rented a room near Malhaur railway station in Chinhat to operate from Lucknow and frequently travel back to Palwal.
