Lucknow police bust gang of snatchers, arrest 14 women, detain minor

LUCKNOW: With the arrest of 14 women in separate operations conducted within Mohanlalganj and PGI police jurisdictions, Lucknow Police on Tuesday claimed to have busted a gang of women snatchers.
A minor has also been detained. According to reports, the gang, led by two women, conducted reconnaissance missions using a four-wheeler to target women, especially those using autos and e-rickshaws near temples and public places.
“The gang members would often carry out their operations by sharing the same auto or e-rickshaws with their victims.They employed tactics such as pressing feet or feigning illness to divert the attention of passengers. Once distracted, they swiftly snatched purses and chains before disembarking,” said ADCP South Shashank Singh.
The joint efforts of Mohanlalganj and PGI police resulted in the recovery of Rs 77,000 in cash, two Bolero cars, one gold chain, and one mobile phone from the suspects.
ADCP South elaborated that the case unfolded when Rita Singh from Dighari village reported to Mohanlalganj police that she had her gold chain snatched near Palkheda petrol pump while commuting to PGI hospital by auto. “On Sunday, a reliable source tipped us off about the whereabouts of the gang leaders near Harikansh Garhi. Identification through CCTV footage led to their arrest on Kisan Path. Subsequently, nine individuals were detained from two Bolero vehicles. However, the driver of one vehicle managed to escape,” said the ADCP.
“During interrogation, all arrested suspects, including a 13-year-old minor, confessed to their involvement in the crimes,” added the ADCP. On June 15, Vandana was victimized when six women engaged her in a conversation near PGI, snatching her chain before fleeing.
“Further intelligence led to the arrest of six women planning another robbery near Awas Vikas bus stand,” stated DCP East Prabal Pratap Singh.