New Delhi: The Delhi Police’s Timarpur unit has dismantled an auto-lifting gang, arresting two adults and apprehending a minor involved in multiple two-wheeler thefts across the city.
The operation led to the recovery of four stolen vehicles, including three motorcycles and a scooty, along with a master key used to unlock vehicles.
The breakthrough came after two separate thefts were reported in the Signature Bridge area earlier this month. A special police team, led by Sub-Inspector Mohit and supervised by SHO Praveen Kumar, analyzed over 150 CCTV footage to identify the suspects. Footage revealed a juvenile, aged 14, stealing motorcycles with a master key.
On July 19, acting on a tip-off, police apprehended the minor near Chung Basti. During interrogation, he confessed to stealing vehicles on the instructions of two men—identified as Zunaid and Suhail—who paid him ₹2,000 per theft. Subsequent raids led to their arrest from Yamuna Khadar, where stolen bikes were hidden in bushes.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia stated, “The accused exploited the minor for quick money. One suspect worked as a parking attendant, while the other drove an e-rickshaw, but both turned to crime due to drug and alcohol habits.”
The juvenile, a school dropout, revealed he was lured into theft after falling into bad company. Police have linked the gang to at least four vehicle theft cases across Delhi. Investigations are ongoing to determine if they supplied stolen vehicles to larger networks.
The arrests highlight concerns over the exploitation of minors in organized theft. Authorities have urged parents and communities to monitor vulnerable youth to prevent their involvement in criminal activities.
