The Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Friday after arrest of three persons claimed of exposing the gang which in past few months had cheated many families to the tune of several lakhs in Raipur and Durg.
However the master mind of gang Zakir Malik along with seven of his accomplice is on the run, police informed. Silver idol, silver ornaments and a fake voter id was recovered from their possession, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Shewta Sinha.
According to police Zakir Malik hailing from Meerut area of Uttar Pradesh reached Raipur about seven months back along with his accomplices and rented a house in Ram Mandir ward. Malik then published advertisements in newspaper and local channels claiming solving of problems through special pooja. The victims came in contact with Jakir Malik through advertisements, police said.
Detailing modus operandi of the gang police said they first used to gain trust of the victims and then demanded cash and ornaments for performing special pooja. When they unsuspecting victims gave them valuables the gang members used to replace ornaments and cash and then disappeared.
The arrested accused have been identified as Nazif alias Kabir alias Kamal Pasha alias Guruji (29) hailing from Rashid Nagar Meerut, Shehnawaz alias Shahil Khan (27), Tarapuri Beeskhuta, Santara Road Meerut and Mohammed Rais (30) native of Samar Colony Jama Masjid New Delhi. The accused were presently based in Chunabhatti area.
Police further said the gang had also cheated people in cities like Indore, Mumbai and others. The absconding members have been identified as Zakir Malik alias Bade Guruji, Sonu alias Arman, Sajid Malik, Abid Malik, Hamsad Ali, Naushad Khan and Akhrar all native of Meerut Uttar Pradesh. The accused were booked under Section 420 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).