Hyderabad gang arrested for using auto-rickshaw to divert attention, steal valuables

Hyderabad: Based on credible information, the Commissioner’s Task Force, North Zone Team, along with Begumpet Police, has arrested four individuals involved in a series of thefts through attention diversion. The arrests were made on August 23, 2024 (Friday), and a case has been registered under Cr.No: 557/2024 U/s 303(2), 318(4) r/w 3(5) BNS at Begumpet Police Station.

The arrested individuals include Irfan (49), a resident of Gokulpur, North East Delhi, who is identified as the gang organiser. Mohammed Feroz (38), a resident of Borabonda, Hyderabad, has been identified as the main associate. Also apprehended were Shakir (30), residing in Indirapuri, Delhi, and native of Baghpar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rubi (23), the wife of Shakir, who resides in Indirapuri, Delhi, and is originally from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Shakir and Rubi are identified as accomplices in the gang’s operations.

The police have seized an amount of stolen property from the gang. This includes a long gold necklace weighing approximately eight tolas, two finger rings weighing about one tola, earrings and matis weighing around 1 tula, a black bead chain also weighing about one tola, and silver anklets. Additionally, a Bajaj LPG auto (Br.No TS 11 UB 1451), two smartphones, one basic mobile phone, and cash amounting to Rs 2,000 were recovered. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs 8,82,000.

According to the police investigation, the gang used to divert passengers’ attention at crowded bus and railway stations. Mohammed Feroz would drive an auto-rickshaw while Shakir and Rubi posed as passengers in the back seat. Irfan, the primary accused, would join the auto at a later point during the journey. Feroz would instruct victims to place their luggage on the back seat. During the trip, Irfan would discreetly open the bags, steal valuables, and then close them before Feroz claimed the auto had broken down. The gang would then abandon the victims and escape.

On August 20, 2024, the gang executed a theft near the Paradise Water Tanker bus stop, which led to the registration of the case at Begumpet Police Station. The arrested individuals have been taken to Begumpet Police Station for further investigation.

The operation was led by K. Saidulu, Inspector of Police, Srinivasulu Dasu, and P. Gnanadeep from the North Zone Task Force.