Lucknow: In a major breakthrough, the Lucknow Police have successfully apprehended a notorious robber and his accomplice, both involved in a series of chain-snatching incidents. The duo had jointly executed a chain-snatching crime in the Vrindavan area under PGI police station limits.
Incident Details
On February 6, 2025, Richa Shukla, a resident of Azea Botanica, Lucknow, reported to the police that two unidentified bike-borne criminals had snatched her gold chain. Acting on this information, the PGI police registered case number 65/2025 under Section 392 of the IPC and assigned the investigation to Sub-Inspector Vikash Kumar Tiwari.
To solve the case, the police formed multiple teams and analyzed CCTV footage from over 150-200 cameras under the ITMS and Lucknow Safe City initiative. Using surveillance technology, they identified and traced one of the accused, Shani Rajput, son of Mewalal (aged 19), a resident of Siddheshwar Nagar, Sitapur. He was arrested near a railway crossing on Sitapur-Lucknow Road in Itaunja on February 19, 2025.
Seized Items from Shani Rajput
- One gold chain fragment (1.51 grams) linked to case 65/2025
- Cash amounting to INR 3,550
- A Yamaha MT two-wheeler (Firozi and black color, Chassis No. MEIRG686ARO116817) used in the crime
During interrogation, Shani Rajput revealed the name of his accomplice, Lukman, a resident of Siddheshwar Nagar, Sitapur. Based on intelligence inputs, the police tracked him down near Sector 12, Utrahtia Railway Crossing.
Encounter with Police
As the police approached, Lukman opened fire on the team. In retaliation, the police fired back, injuring him in the leg. After being subdued, he was arrested and immediately taken to the Trauma Center for medical treatment.
Seized Items from Lukman
- A gold chain fragment (2.09 grams)
- Cash amounting to INR 4,450
- An illegal country-made pistol (315 bore)
- One live cartridge and one spent cartridge of 315 bore
Criminal History of the Accused
Shani Rajput
- Case 42/25 under Section 304(2)/317(2) IPC, Magalganj Police Station, Lakhimpur Kheri
- Case 65/2025 under Section 392/317(2) IPC, PGI Police Station, Lucknow
Lukman
- Multiple cases including armed offenses, assault, and violations of the SC/ST Act
- Previously involved in cases under Sections 344, 363, 366, 376 IPC and POCSO Act
Legal Action
Following the encounter, case number 85/2025 under Section 307 IPC and the Arms Act has been registered at PGI Police Station against Lukman. Further investigations and legal proceedings are underway.
The Lucknow Police’s swift action and use of modern surveillance techniques have led to the successful capture of these criminals, bringing relief to the citizens affected by their crimes.
