Delhi Police arrests kingpin of gangsters involved in ATM break-ins
Dec 31, 2023
New Delhi [India], December 31 : The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an interstate gang of Mewat-based criminals indulging in ATM break-ins in Delhi, National Capital Region and other states by arresting its kingpin.
The arrested accused has been identified as Mohd Jahid (31), a resident of Haryana's Nuh (Mewat). He was apprehended while he was going to Guwahati for an ATM break-in in Assam with his other associates who were already present there.
According to Deputy Commissioner Of Police (DCP) Special Cell Alok Kumar, the Special Cell received "specific information" about the arrival of a key member of the gang named Mohd Jahid at Palam, New Delhi, between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm on December 25.
Consequently, a team was formed, and a trap was laid around Red Light, Palam Airport, New Delhi, and the accused, Mohd Jahid, was nabbed from the spot, Kumar said.
The accused has already been declared Proclaimed Offenders in a case under section 380 of the Indian Penal Code at Geeta Colony police station in New Delhi, and an FIR has been filed against him under section 25 of the Arms Act, the DCP said.
It also came to light that he and his associates have recently stolen Rs 7.5 lakh from an ATM booth in the Welcome area of Delhi, and a case has already been lodged there, he said.
Speaking about the modus operandi of the crime, the DCP said that members of the gang used to identify unguarded ATM booths in less-lit and isolated areas. Thereafter, they used to conduct a thorough reconnaissance of the area around ATM booths, he said.
They would sprinkle black paint on the CCTV cameras after entering the ATM booths and would also wear face masks and monkey caps to conceal their identities, the DCP said adding that the accused would cut the machine with the help of gas cutters and take out the cash trays.
Members of the gang would use stolen cars with fake number plates to commit crimes while committing the crime, he said.
Kumar said that on interrogation, the accused disclosed that he, along with his associates, had committed ATM theft in the area of Welcome, Delhi, on December 1 and had stolen Rs 7.5 lakh from there.
The accused also divulged that he used a stolen car with a fake number plate to reach the spot, he said, adding that after enquiry it came to light that the said car was visible in CCTV footage near the spot.
The accused is a habitual offender and has previously been involved in about 15 criminal cases, including 14 ATM break-ins in Delhi, MP, Haryana, and Assam. The remaining members of the gang have also been identified, and efforts are being made to nab them.
