In a case where social media fueled crime, Ashiyana police have busted a gang of burglars who used an Instagram group to plan and execute house thefts across Lucknow. Four members, including the gang leader Sudhir Kashyap, have been arrested, with valuables worth approximately Rs35 lakh recovered, including jewellery and a motorcycle.
Police revealed that 27-year-old Sudhir Kashyap of Lucknow created the Instagram group to recruit members and coordinate burglaries. Namit Mishra, also from Lucknow, scouted locked homes and alerted the group.
Gaurav Singh (21) and Md Zeshan (25), both from Lakhimpur Kheri, would travel to Lucknow within three hours to participate in the thefts. The gang conducted daytime recces and carried out burglaries at night. According to DCP Central Ashish Srivastava, Sudhir could break into a house and complete the theft—including opening safes and cabinets—within 30 minutes.
The suspects were caught near the BBAU University wall after police found them loitering on a motorcycle without proper vehicle documents and giving inconsistent answers during questioning.
The gang is suspected of multiple burglaries under Ashiyana and PGI police stations. Over 60 stolen items, including gold and silver jewellery, silverware, and the motorcycle used in the crimes, have been recovered.
Sudhir Kashyap is already named in over 10 prior cases in Lucknow and Lakhimpur Kheri involving robbery and housebreaking. Investigations continue to uncover the backgrounds of the other accused and their links to unsolved cases.
