SURAT: The Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) has arrested the alleged mastermind of the Bhopal-based Raju Irani gang, days after he fled Madhya Pradesh’s capital during a major police crackdown.
The accused, Aabid Ali Irani, also known as Raju or Raheman Dakait, is wanted in multiple criminal cases across Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. He is also accused of attempting to set an entire family on fire in Bhopal after suspecting one of its members of being a police informer.
On December 28, a police team of around 150 personnel raided the Irani Dera locality, from where he allegedly operated his network. During the operation, 34 men and 10 women were detained for questioning. However, Irani managed to escape.
Investigators said Irani lived a lavish lifestyle, owning luxury cars, motorcycles and even horses. He allegedly funded legal aid for arrested gang members across states and collected a fixed share of proceeds from thefts and robberies committed by the syndicate.
After fleeing Bhopal, Irani reportedly moved to Maharashtra before travelling to Surat, where he was eventually tracked down and arrested.
Police said the gang frequently impersonated CBI and police officers to deceive victims. In several cases, members would warn people of an “upcoming police check” and then flee with their valuables. Another method involved splashing dirt or other substances on victims and stealing belongings while they were distracted.
The gang also used disguises, including dressing as religious mendicants, to gain entry into targeted homes. In some instances, they carried out highway robberies by blocking roads with barricades while posing as police officers.
Police sources added that women from the locality allegedly pelted stones at law enforcement teams during raids to help gang members escape. Recruits were also trained to mimic the tone and language used by police to make their impersonation more convincing.
