Lucknow: In a major breakthrough, the DCP East Zone, Shashank Singh, announced the arrest of four members of a notorious robbery gang involved in a recent theft in the Chinhat area. The police described the gang as a modern-day version of Ali Baba and his 40 thieves, known for conducting daytime reconnaissance of locked houses and returning after dark to loot valuables.
The four arrested accused have been identified as Suraj Verma (27), Akash Yadav (22), Shyam Sundar (23), and Md Shamim (35)—all history-sheeters and residents of Indira Nagar, Lucknow. The three still at large were named in a police press note as Shirajuddin and Rinku from Lucknow, and Shankar from Bahraich.
According to officials, the gang had been active since 2019, amassing significant wealth from their lootings. Their activities came to light after Rohit Kumar filed a theft complaint at Chinhat police station on March 17, prompting an FIR and an intensive investigation.
CCTV footage and Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) cameras played a crucial role in tracking the culprits. Upon arrest, police recovered ₹2.5 lakh in cash, two cars, and jewellery including four gold biscuits, which were reportedly purchased or hidden using money from the stolen goods.
“The accused used to mark houses that were visibly locked or shut for multiple days. At night, they would raid them and steal valuables. The stolen items were then hidden at various locations, which have now been recovered,” said ADCP Pankaj Singh.
DCP Shashank Singh, addressing the press, confirmed that each of the arrested individuals had at least six criminal cases registered against them in various police stations across Lucknow. He also announced a cash reward of ₹10,000 for the team involved in the successful operation.
A manhunt is currently underway to nab the remaining three accused. Police say the gang’s systematic approach and long-standing operations indicate a well-organised criminal network, which is now being dismantled.
