In a major breakthrough, Ayodhya Nagar police on Thursday arrested three accused, including two juveniles, involved in a series of mobile snatching and vehicle theft incidents across Bhopal. The police recovered 10 stolen motorcycles and 13 snatched mobile phones, with a combined estimated value of Rs12 lakh.
According to SHO Mahesh Lilhare, the accused operated by stealing two-wheelers, stripping their number plates, and then using them to snatch mobile phones from unsuspecting pedestrians. The stolen vehicles and phones were later sold in Old City settlements, funding the accused’s drug habits and lavish lifestyle.
Police teams investigating recent snatching reports scanned footage from nearly 100 CCTV cameras to track the movements of the suspects. Based on surveillance and a credible tip-off, the police intercepted two juveniles on a stolen bike near Ayodhya Nagar Extension Housing Board complex.
Their adult accomplice, Ravi Pal (27), a resident of Crusher Basti, Sukhi Sewania, was also arrested nearby with another stolen motorcycle.
Recovered Items and Method
The gang used a repeated pattern:
Steal bikes, remove plates
Use bikes for snatching phones
Dump or sell stolen vehicles
Sell phones in local markets
Several of the recovered vehicles were found abandoned in an old BHEL quarter building, used by the gang as a hideout.
“All three accused have multiple cases against them. Further investigation is underway to trace more buyers and possible gang members,” said SHO Lilhare.
