Aligarh: In a major crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested four members of an ATM card fraud gang after an encounter in the Tappal police station area of Aligarh on the night of June 11. Two of the accused were injured in the gunfight and are currently undergoing treatment. Both were carrying cash rewards for their arrest.
The Arrested Accused
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Mustakeem alias Molam, son of Moinuddin, resident of Noorpur, Tappal, Aligarh
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Azad, son of Ali Sher, resident of Ghaghota, Palwal, Haryana
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Aslam, son of Azam, resident of Ghaghota, Palwal, Haryana
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Aman Pal, son of Pappu, resident of Ator Nagla, Ghaziabad
How the Encounter Unfolded
Based on a tip-off, the STF Agra unit laid a trap near the Tappal-Kripalpur underpass. When the suspects sensed the police’s presence, they opened fire from behind bushes. In the retaliatory action, two of the gang members were shot and later shifted to the hospital for treatment.
Among them, Mustakeem carried a ₹25,000 bounty from Tappal and ₹20,000 from Mathura, while Azad had a ₹20,000 reward from Mathura.
Items Recovered
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2 country-made pistols (.315 bore)
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4 spent cartridges
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4 ATM/debit cards
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1 ATM swipe machine
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4 mobile phones
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₹8,700 in cash
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1 Maruti Brezza (registration number UP16 CY 5644)
The Modus Operandi
During interrogation, the accused revealed that they primarily targeted elderly or unaware individuals at crowded ATM centers. Posing as helpful bystanders, they would slyly swap the victims’ ATM cards and then withdraw cash using the stolen cards.
Mustakeem is the gang leader and the seized vehicle was registered in his name. The gang confessed to being involved in over two dozen such frauds.
Criminal Background
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Mustakeem has multiple cases registered in Tappal and Mathura, including under the SC/ST Act, Arms Act, and IT Act.
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Azad and Aslam are wanted in Faridabad for fraud and arms-related offenses.
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Aman Pal is also facing charges in Tappal under the IT and Arms Acts.
A fresh FIR has been registered at Tappal Police Station, and legal proceedings have begun. Meanwhile, the STF and local police have launched efforts to nab other members of the gang who are still at large.
Police Appeal
Authorities have advised citizens to remain alert while using ATMs and avoid accepting help from strangers. Those suspecting card tampering or fraud should immediately contact the nearest police station or dial the cybercrime helpline.
