In a major breakthrough, Dibai police in the Bulandshahr district have arrested five members of a notorious auto-lifter gang, including a woman, who were involved in robbing unsuspecting passengers. The gang, which had been operating for months, targeted women passengers and carried out a series of robberies. Their criminal activities were brought to an end after a meticulous operation by the police.

Gang’s Modus Operandi and Arrest

The Dibai police had been on the lookout for the gang for a long time. According to officials, the gang would operate under the guise of offering rides to passengers, particularly women, and rob them mid-journey. To make their operations appear genuine, the gang included a female member, Sonia, who helped gain the trust of the victims. Once aboard, the passengers were robbed of their valuables, including cash and jewellery.

On Wednesday night, during a routine vehicle check at Bhimpur crossroad, the police received a tip-off about suspicious vehicles. The cars were reportedly reluctant to take male passengers but seated only women. Acting on this information, the police stopped the vehicles. Sensing trouble, the suspects fled towards Anupshahar, but they were intercepted near Surajpur Makhena canal on Aligarh-Anupshahar road. All five suspects, including Sonia, were apprehended.

Seized Items and Criminal Background

During the operation, the police recovered a substantial amount of stolen property and weapons. The haul included:

• Cash worth ?1.39 lakh
• Gold and silver jewellery
• Three pistols and two knives
• Two cars used for their crimes

Investigations revealed that the accused had extensive criminal records. The gang members, identified as Surendra, Mohit, Saudan Singh, Shani, Neeraj, and Sonia, had collectively been involved in numerous cases. Surendra alone had 15 criminal cases against him, while Sonia and Mohit, who are siblings, had 4 and 7 cases, respectively. The gang had been arrested and jailed multiple times before for similar offenses.

String of Robberies

The gang’s recent activities paint a picture of calculated and brazen robberies. On November 20, they targeted a woman at Bhimpur intersection, robbing her before dropping her off near Kaser station. Similarly, on November 21, another woman was robbed near Hapur station in Syana. The most recent incident occurred on November 24, when they robbed a woman near a petrol pump in the same police station area.

The gang also had a history of targeting men. On October 2, they reportedly assaulted and robbed a man in the Dharampur outpost area of Kotwali Dibai.

Police Statement and Investigation

Rural SP Rohit Mishra commended the Dibai police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) team for their efforts. He said, “The gang primarily targeted women passengers, using their female accomplice to gain trust. They would pick up women from roadsides, break into their bags during the journey, and steal valuables. By the time the victims realized what had happened, it was too late.”

Mishra further explained that the arrests and recoveries are a significant step toward dismantling organized crime in the region. The police are now investigating the gang’s broader network and their previous activities to ensure justice for all victims.

Community Reactions

News of the arrests has brought relief to the residents of Bulandshahr and nearby areas. Local communities had been living in fear due to the gang’s repeated offenses. Many victims, particularly women, have come forward to praise the police for their swift action.

A local resident, Anjali Singh, said, “It’s terrifying to think that this gang was operating for so long. Women often feel unsafe while traveling, and such incidents add to the fear. The police have done an excellent job by taking swift action.”

Safety Measures and Advice

The police have urged citizens to remain cautious while accepting rides from unknown vehicles. They have also issued guidelines to avoid falling prey to such crimes:

• Always use verified transportation services.
• Avoid sharing rides with strangers, especially in remote areas.
• Report any suspicious behavior to the nearest police station.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy while traveling.

The authorities are also planning to enhance surveillance and conduct regular vehicle checks to prevent such incidents in the future.

Looking Ahead

The successful arrest of the auto-lifter gang highlights the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts. While the immediate threat posed by this gang has been neutralized, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and robust law enforcement. The Dibai police’s dedication has set a precedent for addressing organized crime in the region.

As the investigation continues, the police remain committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly women, who are often the most vulnerable in such situations.