During the ongoing Pitripaksh Mela in Gaya, police arrested five members of an inter-state burglary gang operating near the Vishnupad temple area. Among those detained, Kundan Singh is from Wardhwan, while the remaining four—Dev Kumar, Banwari Singh, Golu Kumar, and Ghanshyam Singh—hail from Purulia district in West Bengal.
Gaya SSP Anand Kumar stated that police noticed a group fleeing the scene as a pilgrim called out for help. The officers promptly chased and apprehended the suspects.
Upon interrogation, the accused confessed to being part of a gang targeting women pilgrims through theft and snatching, exploiting the large crowds in temple areas and public gatherings. Police recovered Rs 3,680 in cash and two pocket purses from their possession.
To ensure safety during the festival, the SSP confirmed that both uniformed and plainclothes officers, male and female, have been deployed across the Mela area—from Vishnupad temple to Pretshila in the north and Bodh Gaya in the south—to maintain order and protect devotees.
