Lucknow: In a major breakthrough, police in Lucknow have busted a gang of women tricksters involved in stealing jewellery from unsuspecting passengers in public transport. Three women and one man have been arrested for their role in multiple theft incidents, officials said.
The action was carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Police in the Krishnanagar area, where a series of “tappebaazi” (distraction-based theft) cases had been reported between November 2025 and March 2026.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Amit Anand, the accused were identified after an extensive investigation involving the analysis of nearly 600 to 700 CCTV camera footages from crime locations and surrounding areas.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sheshkala, her husband Dayalal, and accomplices Pooja and Gauri Devi. Police recovered stolen items from their possession, including gold chains, a ring, and anklets.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Verma said a dedicated police team was formed to track the gang. A woman sub-inspector, Siddhi Mishra, played a crucial role in cracking the case. Acting on CCTV leads, she conducted surveillance in plain clothes for nearly a week, gathering key intelligence about the suspects and their hideouts.
Police said Sheshkala is the gang leader and has a history of similar offences, with cases registered against her in multiple police stations, including Bakshi Ka Talab, Madiyanv, Hardoi, and Naka.
During interrogation, the accused revealed their unique and cunning method of operation. They would target elderly passengers, particularly those wearing jewellery, while travelling in autos, tempos, and e-rickshaws. The women would board the same vehicle as the victims and, during the journey, create distractions—such as pretending to vomit or pricking the victim with a safety pin—before swiftly stealing valuables.
The gang reportedly travelled from Nagpur to Lucknow and other cities by train, posing as vendors or patients seeking medical treatment to blend into crowded areas and carry out thefts.
Investigators also found that the accused frequently changed their residences and even updated addresses on their identity documents to evade detection, making it difficult for police to trace them.
Officials said the arrest has helped solve at least three reported incidents, and further investigation is underway to determine the gang’s involvement in other cases.
The police have urged citizens, especially elderly passengers, to remain alert while travelling in shared transport and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
