Gazipur: In a well-coordinated operation, the Gazipur Police have successfully arrested two individuals involved in a series of motorcycle and scooter thefts within the area. The arrested duo was reportedly involved in stealing two scooters, which were recovered by the police. The police investigation has revealed that the thieves targeted vehicles to fuel their drug addiction. This successful operation is a significant step in curbing vehicle-related crimes in the region.
Incident Overview:
On the morning of 3rd February 2025, the Gazipur Police received credible information through an informant, which led to the successful apprehension of two suspects near Sector 14, Power House. According to the information, the suspects had stolen two scooters and were planning to hide them in the area. The police team, led by Sub-Inspector Abhishek Pandey, quickly mobilized to the location. Upon reaching the site, the team identified two suspicious individuals near a kiosk, sitting on the stolen scooters. They were observed engaging in a conversation, possibly about their next move.
The police approached the suspects and, after questioning, the individuals appeared evasive and unable to provide clear answers. Suspecting criminal activity, the police team proceeded to conduct a detailed search of the suspects and their belongings. It was during this search that the stolen scooters were identified and verified as stolen.
Identification of the Suspects:
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Sahil Ahuja (22 years), son of Shyam Lal Ahuja, resident of Madhavnagar, Indiranagar, Lucknow.
- Occupation: Labourer
- Criminal History:
Sahil Ahuja has a criminal background with prior involvement in motorcycle theft. He is linked to cases under Section 379/411 of the IPC filed at the Indiranagar Police Station and Gazipur Police Station.
- Mohammad Rayyan (Alias Commando) (21 years), son of Abdul Hameed, resident of Nizamuddinpur, Chandnan, Indiranagar, Lucknow.
- Occupation: Labourer
- Criminal History:
Mohammad Rayyan’s criminal record is currently being investigated by the police for any other potential offenses in connection with vehicle thefts.
Stolen Vehicles:
The two scooters recovered from the suspects were identified and traced back to their rightful owners:
- Scooter No. UP32PJ6331 (Dark Blue)
- Engine No.: JK15ED5278326
- Chassis No.: ME4JK156CRD278304
- Registered Owner: Vatsal Pandey, resident of 19A Shruti Vihar, Manas Enclave, Indiranagar, Lucknow.
- The scooter had been stolen approximately 15 days ago from Suk Complex.
- Scooter No. UP32JE5485 (Grey)
- Engine No.: JF50ET5570952
- Chassis No.: ME4JF507JHT570860
- Registered Owner: Neeraj Jain, resident of M. No. 2, Sugamau, Indiranagar, Lucknow.
- The scooter was stolen 4-5 days ago from Sector 17, Swarn Jayanti Market.
The scooters were found to be registered under the names of the rightful owners and were confirmed as stolen in cases filed under Sections 303(2) of the B.N.S. at the Gazipur Police Station.
Motive Behind the Thefts:
During the interrogation, both suspects revealed that they had stolen the motorcycles and scooters to fund their drug addiction. This motive indicates a growing link between vehicle theft and substance abuse, which is increasingly becoming a major concern in the region. The duo confessed that their drug habits had driven them to engage in thefts as a quick way to obtain money for their needs.
Legal Action and Charges:
Based on the information provided by the suspects, the police have added Section 317(2) B.N.S. to the already registered charges in connection with the stolen scooters. The primary charges against the suspects include:
- Section 303(2)/317(2) B.N.S. for theft.
The suspects were made aware of the charges against them and their involvement in the criminal activities. Both individuals were arrested around 03:10 PM on 3rd February 2025 and were taken into police custody in compliance with the law.
Criminal History of the Accused:
- Sahil Ahuja:
- Case 1: FIR No. 66/2023 under Sections 379/411 of IPC, at Indiranagar Police Station, Lucknow.
- Case 2: FIR No. 543/2023 under Sections 379/411 of IPC, at Gazipur Police Station, Lucknow.
- Mohammad Rayyan:
- Further investigation is underway to verify if Rayyan has any other criminal records in nearby police stations.
The Role of Police:
The success of this operation was made possible due to the quick action and sharp investigative skills of the Gazipur Police team. The police received a tip-off from an informant who had spotted the suspects hiding the stolen vehicles near Sector 14 Power House. The officers involved in the operation were:
- Sub-Inspector Abhishek Pandey
- Sub-Inspector Rahul Dwivedi
- Sub-Inspector Manoj Kumar
- Sub-Inspector Siddhant Singh
- Sub-Inspector Shivshankar
- Head Constable Vijay Singh
- Constables Yatendra Kumar and Dikshit Kumar
Their prompt and professional handling of the situation ensured the successful arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen scooters.
Ongoing Investigation:
While the investigation is ongoing, the police are gathering more information regarding the criminal activities of the suspects, including their possible links to other thefts in the area. The officers are also working on identifying any further criminal associations and potential accomplices.
The arrest of Sahil Ahuja and Mohammad Rayyan marks a major breakthrough in the fight against motorcycle and scooter thefts in the Gazipur area. The police have successfully prevented the duo from carrying out further thefts, thereby ensuring a safer environment for the public. However, with the rising trend of vehicle thefts to fuel substance abuse, law enforcement agencies are urged to continue their vigilance and proactive approach in tackling such criminal activities.
The police have promised to continue their efforts to bring more such offenders to justice and curb the growing menace of thefts in the region.