Lucknow: A joint operation by the Hazratganj Police Station and the Surveillance Cell, DCP Central Zone led to the arrest of four members of an interstate pickpocket gang, including the gang leader, involved in a recent theft in the city.
The incident occurred on March 16, 2026, when the complainant Balram Sadhvani, resident of Indiranagar, Lucknow, reported that two unknown men deliberately collided with him using a bicycle near his location. As he tried to recover his balance, one of the assailants snatched ₹50,000 from his pocket. A case was registered under FIR No. 47/2026, Sections 303(2)/317(2) IPC at Hazratganj Police Station.
Investigation and Arrest:
Following extensive surveillance and intelligence, the police team traced the gang members and arrested them on April 6, 2026, at 11:15 PM. The arrested individuals are:
- Bisarat, son of Sharafat, Rampur Doraha Bhaisiya, Katghar, Muradabad – 55 years
- Wasim alias Shahil, son of Shahzad, Gali No. 12, Karula Zahid Nagar, Katghar, Muradabad – 35 years
- Arun Kumar alias Thakur, son of Ramgopal Singh, Katghar Udpura, near Lakshmi Narayan Inter College, Muradabad – 45 years
- Sachin Chauhan, son of Jagmohan Singh Thakur, near Gandhi Nagar Public School, Station Road, Katghar, Muradabad – 32 years
During the operation, the police recovered:
- ₹3,673 of the stolen cash
- Two receipts including an LIC receipt photocopy
- One bicycle, used in the crime (A-One company)
Gang Modus Operandi:
Upon interrogation, the accused revealed that one member would ride a bicycle to collide with the target while others followed on foot. When the victim appeared off-balance, they would pretend to help, snatch cash or valuables from pockets, and disappear into the crowd, later dividing the loot among themselves.
Criminal History:
Wasim, one of the accused, has a prior case registered under FIR No. 313/2016, Sections 379/411 IPC, Katghar, Muradabad.
Police Team Involved in Arrest:
- Inspector Ankit Balyan, Station In-Charge, Tulsi Chowki, Hazratganj
- Inspector Abhinendra Singh, In-Charge, Surveillance Cell, DCP Central Zone
- Inspector Madhukar Singh, Station In-Charge, SultanGanj
- Inspector Pradeep Kumar, Station In-Charge, Lalbagh
- Inspector Hemant Kumar Verma, Hazratganj Police
- HC Ashish Mishra, Surveillance Cell, DCP Central Zone
- HC Durgesh Singh, Surveillance Cell, DCP Central Zone
- Constable Balwant Singh, Surveillance Cell, DCP Central Zone
- Constable Sunil Kumar Yadav, Hazratganj Police
- Constable Inderjeet, Hazratganj Police
The arrested accused have been produced before the court in accordance with legal procedures. The operation underscores the vigilance and coordinated effort of Lucknow Police in tackling organized interstate crime and ensuring public safety.
