Lucknow – In a significant breakthrough, Krishna Nagar police have dismantled a gang that was systematically targeting students’ scooters parked outside examination centres across the city. Three suspects have been arrested, and multiple stolen items including mobile phones, gold jewellery, ATM cards, and a scooter have been recovered.
Modus Operandi: Stealing from Scooter Compartments
According to police, the gang would keep watch outside exam venues, waiting for students to enter. As soon as the coast was clear, they would break into the scooter compartments (diggies) and flee with valuables such as phones, jewellery, and cards.
Arrests Made Near Sangam Vihar Colony Underpass
The suspects were apprehended on the evening of July 8 following a tip-off and coordinated surveillance. The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Syed Saif (25) – Resident of LDA Colony, Bazarkhala; a graduate and former Zomato delivery executive.
- Mayank Sonkar (25) – Resident of Aminabad; operates a mobile repair shop.
- Rupesh Yadav (28) – Resident of Rajajipuram, LDA Colony; currently working from home as a chat support executive.
Seized Items
During the arrest, police recovered the following:
- Three mobile phones, including a stolen OPPO F27
- One gold chain and a pair of gold earrings
- Two debit cards (SBI and Bank of Baroda), a PAN card, and a voter ID
- A stolen scooter (registration number: UP32HR5621)
- Rs 730 in cash
Link to Previous Thefts
Case 1 – June 9, 2025:
Priyanka Shukla reported the theft of jewellery and personal belongings from her scooter while she was attending an exam. The accused allegedly misbehaved and pushed her when confronted. FIR No. 281/2025 was lodged under Sections 352 and 305(2) of the IPC.
Case 2 – July 4, 2025:
Another examinee, Mohd. Vaish, lost his phone and two debit cards. The cards were later used to withdraw ₹1.30 lakh from his account. FIR No. 323/2025 was registered under Sections 303(2) and 318(4) IPC.
Cracking the Case
Four police teams were formed to investigate the matter. Through CCTV footage analysis and inputs from local informants, officers were able to trace the suspects. During interrogation, gang leader Syed Saif admitted to orchestrating the thefts. He revealed how they used the stolen scooter for commuting to crime scenes and for fleeing afterward.
He also confessed that the gang used stolen debit cards to make online purchases and sold jewellery to divide the proceeds.
Gang Leader’s Criminal Past
Police revealed that Syed Saif has 10 prior cases registered against him, ranging from theft to IT-related fraud. His activities have been reported across several districts including Lucknow, Barabanki, and Prayagraj.
Police Lauded for Swift Action
Recognizing their prompt and effective action, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) awarded a ₹15,000 cash reward to the Krishna Nagar police team.
“This is a commendable example of focused investigation and teamwork. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students and public,” a senior police official said.
