Fake snatching plot busted in 24 hours

Delhi Police has arrested three men, including an employee of a chartered accountant, for allegedly staging a fake cash snatching drama to steal Rs 6.5 lakh from his employer in north Delhi’s Wazirabad area.

Police said the accused initially claimed that two motorcycle-borne men had snatched a bag containing cash near the Old Yamuna Bridge area on May 4.

However, CCTV footage, inconsistent statements and sustained questioning exposed the conspiracy within 24 hours of the complaint. Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia of North District said the investigation revealed that the complainant himself had planned the fake robbery along with two associates. “The accused repeatedly changed his version during questioning. CCTV footage and technical investigation raised suspicion, which eventually led to a confession,” the DCP said.

Police have identified the accused as Ayush Mishra, 20, Ashu, 28, and Akash, 33. All three were arrested, and the entire stolen amount was recovered.

According to police, a PCR call regarding a snatching incident was received at Wazirabad police station around 6 pm on May 4. A police team reached near Shiv Mandir at Old Yamuna Bridge, where complainant Ayush Mishra told officers that he worked for a chartered accountant in Burari’s Kaushik Enclave area.

He claimed he had been sent to Rajendra Place to deliver `6.5 lakh kept inside a black bag. While riding a motorcycle near Wazirabad, two men allegedly snatched the bag and escaped.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and formed a special team to identify the accused and recover the money.

During the investigation, officers scanned CCTV footage from the area and nearby roads. Police said one of the videos showed Ayush smiling while the alleged snatchers followed him carrying the bag. Investigators also found that the incident had allegedly taken place around 3.30 pm, but the complainant informed police only at 6 pm.

When questioned about the delay and contradictions in his statements, Ayush reportedly failed to provide convincing answers. Police said sustained interrogation eventually led to his confession. He allegedly admitted that he had conspired with Ashu and Akash to steal the money from his employer.

According to investigators, Ayush had shifted to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh around four to five months ago and had started working with the chartered accountant about two months earlier. During this period, he became friends with Ashu and Akash, who lived in the same locality.