Police in Noida have arrested four members of an inter-state vehicle theft gang that allegedly used food stalls selling chhole-kulche and paratha as a cover to scout potential targets in crowded commercial areas.
The accused were identified as Pushpendra, Raju, Brajesh and Lokesh. Police recovered 15 stolen motorcycles and scooters along with two knives from the group.
Gang Used Food Carts To Identify Targets
According to police, Pushpendra and Lokesh operated food carts in busy markets and outside office complexes in Noida and nearby NCR regions.
Investigators said the duo used the stalls to observe parked vehicles and gather information about the surrounding areas while interacting with customers.
Police alleged that they photographed motorcycles and scooters they intended to steal and later shared the images with accomplices through WhatsApp.
Arrest Made During Vehicle-Checking Drive
The four accused were arrested near a Hanuman temple in Sector 60 during a vehicle-checking drive conducted on Wednesday based on intelligence inputs.
Additional DCP Manisha Singh said the accused had moved to the NCR from Sambhal and were staying in rented accommodations.
“The stolen vehicles would be hidden in isolated locations that saw little public movement, and eventually sold to buyers to fund their lifestyle and drug addiction,” Singh said.
Police said each stolen bike was reportedly sold for around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.
Stolen Vehicles Linked To Multiple Cases
The recovered vehicles included several Hero MotoCorp Splendor motorcycles, a Passion Pro bike and a Jupiter scooter.
Police said the vehicles were connected to theft cases registered in areas including New Ashok Nagar, GTB Enclave, Kaushambi, and sectors 24 and 39 of Noida.
Mastermind Still Absconding
Police identified another accused, Shripal, also from Sambhal, as the alleged mastermind behind the gang. He is currently absconding.
Sector 58 SHO Amit Tomar said Shripal had previously served jail time in vehicle theft cases and has more than 22 criminal cases registered against him.
Authorities said multiple cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act have been filed against the arrested men.
Police added that investigations are ongoing to identify other gang members and trace those who purchased the stolen vehicles.
