The infamous interstate gang involved in mobile phone thefts during the Ganesh immersion procession in Mumbai has been unveiled by the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch. Four accused were arrested, and 45 expensive mobile phones were retrieved from their possession. They were poised to smuggle these phones to Nepal. Before they could execute their plans, the police dismantled their scheme.
Deputy Commissioner Vikram Singh revealed that the suspects, identified as Mohammed Shakeel (49), Mohammed Shafiq (34), Shamshul Hasan (40), and Dilshad (36), were active during the bustling events like the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh immersion procession and Juhu Chowpatty in Mumbai, exploiting the crowd. Their strategy was to disappear with numerous phones amidst the chaos.
Authorities disclosed the gang's plan to smuggle the stolen mobiles to Nepal via contacts in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. Investigations unveiled their expertise in such illicit activities, skillfully targeting crowded festivals and processions to swiftly swipe costly phones.
The arrest unfolded with cinematic flair as police monitored the suspects’ activities from Mumbai. Mobile location tracked them returning to Delhi via the Haridwar Express. A team was stationed at Mathura Railway Station beforehand, and as soon as the train reached Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station on Thursday, the accused were captured.
Interrogation exposed the gang’s 10-year involvement in mobile thefts, led by Shakeel, who has served multiple jail terms. He admitted sending stolen phones primarily to Nepal. The gang’s extensive criminal record spans Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Shakeel's past includes stints in Mandoli, Ajmer, and Prayagraj jails. His accomplices face charges related to theft, brawling, and weapons. Among the confiscated phones, at least five are linked to FIRs already registered with Mumbai police. The gang's leader, Kamran alias Sadiq, was arrested by Mumbai Police on September 6.
