New Delhi: Delhi Police has busted a gang involved in stealing over 350 high-end two-wheelers within six months, dismantling them, and selling the parts. The gang primarily consisted of juveniles who stole bikes and sold them for Rs 1,000 each to a godown owner. The owner, in turn, had his employees dismantle the vehicles and sold the parts to associates in other cities, using couriers or transport services. Police have apprehended three juveniles and two men in connection with the case.
A raid conducted by Delhi Police at a godown in Loni, Ghaziabad, led to the recovery of several vehicle number plates and cutting machines. The investigation began after a complaint on Nov 25 from Anand Singh, who reported that his bike was stolen from outside his residence in Burari. A case was registered following the complaint.
Deputy commissioner of police (north) Raja Banthia said CCTV analysis revealed the involvement of six individuals in the thefts. "After reviewing over 250 CCTV cameras, the team traced the suspects to Khajuri Chowk, Bhajanpura, and apprehended one boy," he said.
The boy disclosed that two individuals from Khajuri Khas hired them to steal two-wheelers from different parts of Delhi, paying Rs 1,000 per motorcycle. He and two minor friends worked for these individuals, who then sold the stolen bikes to Mohammad Farooq.
"On the day of the incident, the trio, along with one Shahnawaz, went to Burari and stole three bikes, which they delivered to Farooq's godown in Ghaziabad," police added. During the raid, two more boys and Shahnawaz were apprehended. At the godown, 11 high-end bikes ready for dismantling were found, along with scattered bike parts. Farooq, the godown owner, was also nabbed.
Shahnawaz revealed that he would steal two-wheelers and hire minors for thefts across Delhi. The stolen bikes were then sold to Farooq, an auto-mechanic by profession. Initially, Farooq repaired bikes and scooters but later began dealing in stolen vehicles after coming into contact with two auto-lifters.
Farooq initially sold parts at his repair shop but soon expanded his operations, renting a godown and purchasing around 50 stolen bikes. He dismantled the vehicles and sent parts to receivers in Surat, Pune, Bangalore, and other cities using couriers and transport services.