The Delhi Police has busted a gang of infamous pickpockets “Ghoda Pachhad” who targeted buses plying especially on MB Road route. One member of the gang called ‘Machine’ was skilled at pocketing wallets and phones, while three others would distract the target and were termed as ‘Thekbaaj’, police said Tuesday.
Four persons including their kingpin Sanjeev (49) alias Ghoda Pacchad were arrested from MB Road at around 6 pm after police received information that they would be arriving in the location for pick-pocketing.
Police revealed that Sanjeev has previously been involved in criminal activities since 1988 and has previously been arrested in 32 cases of dacoity, robbery, and attempt to murder, theft, arms act and more.
“Due to his age, the kingpin Sanjeev reportedly formed his gang of pick-pockets and inducted three others identified as Aarif Khan (21), Zia-Ul-Haq, (30) and Mohammad Saman (25). All the members of the gang are addicted to alcohol and marijuana and pick-pocketed buses to fund their addiction,” Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hareesh H P.
“During investigation, police found that Sanjeev was absent from the crime scene since February, 2018 and no surveillance could be mounted on his activities.
For past few months accused was in hibernation and was staying with his associates at Sangam Vihar and regularly changing his location,” Hareesh said.
Police revealed that the accused persons also kept weapons with them so that they can threaten their victims in case they retaliate. Two Country-made pistols with two live cartridges and two button knives were recovered from their arrest, police said.