Noida— In a major crackdown on mobile phone thefts in the NCR region, Noida’s Phase-2 Police have unearthed an interstate gang involved in large-scale mobile theft. Six adult suspects have been arrested, while two juvenile offenders are in police custody. The operation led to the recovery of 821 stolen mobile phones from various companies, with an estimated value between ₹6–8 crore.
The action took place on January 6, 2026, during a police checking operation in the Kakrala area. The suspects were caught red-handed, and a significant number of stolen phones were recovered from their possession.
Modus Operandi of the Gang
Investigations revealed that the gang operated in crowded markets, vegetable and fruit bazaars, and weekly haats. They particularly targeted mobile phones kept in jacket pockets during the winter months. The members would wait for moments when the customers’ attention was diverted, steal the phones, and hand them off to fellow gang members to avoid being caught. Once they amassed a large quantity, they transported the phones by train to Jharkhand and Bihar to sell them at cheaper rates.
Details of Arrested Suspects
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Govinda Mahto, 32 years
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Rohit Saini, 20 years
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Shyam Kumar Rai, 23 years
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Bhartiya Mahto, 35 years
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Shekhar, 25 years
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Pradeep Kumar, 32 years
Educational Background of Juvenile Offenders
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Shyam Rai and Rohit Saini: up to 12th grade
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Govinda Mahto, Pradeep Kumar, Bhartiya Mahto, and Shekhar: illiterate
Criminal Records
The suspects face charges under relevant sections of the law, including multiple cases registered against them in the Gautam Buddh Nagar district. Juvenile offenders also have separate cases registered under child-related penal provisions.
Seized Items
Police recovered a total of 821 high-value mobile phones from different companies.
Police Recognition
The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate awarded ₹25,000 to the team responsible for the operation in recognition of their successful crackdown.
