Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police achieved a significant breakthrough after the Jankipuram Police arrested three alleged mobile phone thieves involved in stealing phones during the ongoing Bada Mangal festivities and community feast events in the city.
Police recovered six stolen mobile phones and an Apache motorcycle allegedly used in the crime.
Complaint Filed After Mobile Theft at Bhandara
According to police officials, the case came to light after complainant Vishwas Tiwari lodged a written complaint at Jankipuram Police Station stating that his Samsung mobile phone was stolen while he had gone to attend a Bhandara near Mama Chauraha on May 5, 2026.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.
Arrest Near Khadri Crossing
Acting on information from an informer, the Jankipuram police team conducted a search operation and arrested the three accused near Khadri Crossing at around 3:20 AM on May 6.
The arrested accused have been identified as:
- Mohammad Mateen, a resident of Sidhauli in Sitapur district
- Hanif, a resident of Daliganj in Lucknow
- Arun Gihar, a resident of Gudmandi area in Daliganj, Lucknow
Police said the accused were apprehended with six stolen mobile phones in their possession. The Apache motorcycle used in the crime, bearing registration number UP32 MF 6137, was also seized.
Recovered Devices
Among the recovered devices were multiple Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and Motorola smartphones, including the Samsung SM-M32 handset reported stolen by the complainant.
Following the recovery, police added additional charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to possession of stolen property.
Accused Confessed During Interrogation
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to their involvement in the thefts and confessed to targeting crowded religious gatherings and Bhandara events during the Bada Mangal celebrations.
Police officials said the gang used crowded public spaces to steal expensive smartphones and quickly escape using motorcycles.
Criminal Histories Revealed
Investigators also revealed that the accused have extensive criminal backgrounds involving robbery, theft, narcotics, arms violations, and organized crime cases registered across multiple police stations in Lucknow and other districts.
Mohammad Mateen alone has over a dozen criminal cases registered against him, including robbery, NDPS Act violations, Arms Act cases, and gang-related offences.
Police Team Involved
The successful operation was carried out under the supervision of Jankipuram Police Station officials, including Sub-Inspectors Chandrabhan Giri, Ankit Kumar, and Anubhav, along with supporting police personnel Vinod Saroj, Raj Rathore, Pravendra Pratap, and Ankur.
Police said further legal proceedings are underway and efforts are being made to identify whether the accused were involved in other mobile theft incidents reported during recent religious gatherings in the city.
