Police Bust Mobile Theft Gang Targeting Crowded Areas, Recover 79 Phones

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LUCKNOW – A joint operation by the Madiyanv police and the Crime Branch of Lucknow Police Commissionerate has led to the busting of a gang involved in stealing mobile phones from crowded places such as Vegetable Mandis (vegetable markets), markets, and fairs. Two seasoned thieves have been arrested, and 79 multimedia mobile phones of various companies, estimated to be worth 12 lakh, have been recovered from their possession.

The arrested individuals have been identified as:

Mohammad Tariq, Son of Late Athar Ali: Resident of 355/297 Kupewali Gali, Maulviganj, Police Station Aminabad, District Lucknow, aged 49 years (Occupation: E-rickshaw driver).
Vipin Srivastava, Son of Rakesh Srivastava: Resident of Babaganj, Police Station Rupeidha, District Bahraich, aged 28 years (Occupation: Driver).

Acting on a tip-off from a reliable source on April 26, 2025, the joint police team of Madiyanv and Crime Branch was present near the Tadikhana crossing on Sitapur Road during routine patrol and crime prevention duties. The informant stated that two individuals were seen talking inside an Ertiga car near the railway line under the Madiyanv bridge. One of them had arrived on a scooter. The informant further revealed that these individuals were involved in stealing mobile phones from various locations and selling them in Nepal to avoid tracing. They were believed to be in possession of a large number of stolen mobile phones, intending to take them to Nepal for sale.

Based on this information, the police team apprehended the two individuals. Upon questioning, they identified themselves as Mohammad Tariq and Vipin Srivastava. A total of 79 mobile phones of different companies, wrapped in tape, were recovered from their possession.

During interrogation, both accused confessed to stealing the mobile phones from various places and collecting them. They admitted to selling these phones in Nepal because mobile phones are difficult to trace there, unlike in India, thus reducing the risk of getting caught.

The accused were informed of the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and taken into police custody around 5:20 PM. A case under Sections 317(2) and 317(4) of the BNS has been registered at Police Station Madiyanv under Case No. 235/25.

The Ertiga vehicle bearing registration number UP32PZ6457 and the scooter bearing registration number UP32NC8512, found at the scene, were seized under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act for the non-production of valid documents. The arrest was made in strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Human Rights Commission. Legal proceedings are being completed, and the accused are being presented before the Hon’ble Court. Information regarding their criminal history in other police stations and districts is being gathered.

Objective of the Crime:

The accused individuals would steal mobile phones from various locations, collect them, and then sell them in Nepal to avoid tracing of the stolen devices.

Details of Arrested Accused:

Mohammad Tariq, Son of Late Athar Ali: Resident of 355/297 Kupewali Gali, Maulviganj, Police Station Aminabad, District Lucknow, aged 49 years (Occupation: E-rickshaw driver).
Vipin Srivastava, Son of Rakesh Srivastava: Resident of Babaganj, Police Station Rupeidha, District Bahraich, aged 28 years (Occupation: Driver).

Cases Solved:

Case No. 233/2025, under Sections 303(2)/317(2)/317(4) BNS, Police Station Madiyanv.
Case No. 234/2025, under Sections 303(2)/317(2)/317(4) BNS, Police Station Madiyanv.
Case No. 212/2025, under Sections 303(2)/317(2)/317(4) BNS, Police Station Thakurganj.

Information regarding the further criminal history of the arrested accused in other police stations and districts is being ascertained.

Recovered Items: