Gonda (Uttar Pradesh): In a major breakthrough, Wazirganj Police, in a joint operation with the SOG (Special Operations Group) and surveillance team, have busted an inter-district gang involved in a series of goat thefts across the district. Four accused have been arrested, and stolen livestock along with vehicles and cash have been recovered from their possession.
The operation was carried out under the direction of Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal, with supervision from Additional Superintendent of Police (West) Radheshyam Rai and leadership of Circle Officer Tarabganj Umeshwar Prabhat Singh. Acting on intelligence inputs and sustained surveillance, the joint police team apprehended the accused from the road connecting Durjanpur Ghat to Koder.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Rafiq, Shakeel, Shamsuddin, and Raheesh. Police recovered six stolen goats, ₹23,800 in cash—believed to be proceeds from earlier thefts—and two Scorpio vehicles used in the crimes.
Organized Theft Network Exposed
According to police officials, the gang operated in a well-organized manner across Gonda and adjoining districts. During interrogation, the accused revealed that they conducted reconnaissance (recce) during nighttime, targeting goats tied outside houses. The animals were then stolen and transported using Scorpio vehicles.
The stolen goats were either sold in livestock markets in Barabanki and Bahraich districts or slaughtered and sold as meat to generate illegal profits.
Links to Multiple Recent Thefts
Investigations have linked the gang to several recent incidents. The accused confessed to stealing 10 goats from Salarpurwa (Karnailganj area) on April 8 and selling them for approximately ₹50,000 in a Barabanki market. Additionally, they admitted to stealing nine goats from Chhotka Semra village (Tarabganj area) on April 7 and selling them as meat for around ₹48,000.
Police stated that further interrogation is underway to uncover more such incidents and identify other possible members of the network.
Legal Action Initiated
Cases related to the thefts have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Wazirganj, Karnailganj, and Tarabganj police stations. The accused have been produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
Criminal Background
Police records indicate that some of the arrested individuals, particularly Shamsuddin and Rafiq, have a history of involvement in multiple criminal cases, including theft, illegal activities, and violations under various acts.
Police Team Commended
The successful operation was executed by a dedicated team led by SOG/Surveillance प्रभारी Gaurav Singh, along with several officers and constables from the surveillance cell and Wazirganj police station.
Senior officials have praised the team’s coordinated efforts, stating that the crackdown sends a strong message against organized theft and reinforces the district police’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
