Gaya: The police arrested five members of an inter-state burglary gang on Thursday, who were operating in the Vishnupad temple area during the ongoing Pitripaksh Mela.
According to Gaya SSP Anand Kumar, police on duty observed a group fleeing after a pilgrim raised an alarm. The suspects—Kundan Singh from Barabani police station in Wardhwan, and Dev Kumar, Banwari Singh, Golu Kumar, and Ghanshyam Singh from Balrampur police station in Purulia district, West Bengal—were pursued and caught by officers.
During questioning, the accused admitted to being part of a gang involved in theft and snatching, primarily targeting women pilgrims in crowded temple areas during large gatherings.
Police recovered Rs3,680 in cash and two pocket purses from the arrested individuals.
SSP Kumar emphasized the increased deployment of both male and female officers, in uniform and plainclothes, across the entire Mela area—from Vishnupad temple to Pretshila and Bodh Gaya—to maintain crowd safety and control.
