How Did Delhi Police Uncover an Interstate Auto Theft Ring?

Synopsis
In a significant operation, the <b>Delhi Police</b> Crime Branch has disrupted an interstate auto theft organization, recovering eight luxury cars. This article explores the gang's sophisticated tactics and the police's strategic response, showcasing a commendable law enforcement effort in combating auto theft in the city.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Police successfully dismantled a major auto theft syndicate.
- Eight luxury vehicles were recovered during the operation.
- The gang used sophisticated techniques to sell stolen cars online.
- Documents were forged, and identities were fabricated to evade law enforcement.
- Advanced technology was utilized by the gang to support their illegal operations.
New Delhi, May 30 (NationPress) The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has successfully dismantled an interstate ring engaged in the theft and illicit reselling of luxury automobiles, according to a statement released on Friday.
This gang employed a highly sophisticated method to market stolen vehicles online, utilizing forged documents, establishing bank accounts under false identities, and altering both engine and chassis numbers.
In a series of well-planned operations, law enforcement apprehended a significant gang member and seized eight high-end cars.
As per the Delhi Police, this breakthrough was achieved with the capture of Rakesh Patel, also known as Pappu (38), a pivotal figure in the syndicate, near Sahibabad Railway Station in Ghaziabad on April 21, 2025.
Acting on a tip-off, police detained him while he was trying to sell a stolen Maruti Wagon-R through an online platform.
Patel, a resident of Sahibabad, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), originally hailing from Mohiuddin Nagar, Samastipur (Bihar), was instrumental in orchestrating theft operations and distributing stolen vehicles across state lines.
His accomplices were responsible for securing vehicles, creating counterfeit documents, and producing fake license plates.
The gang's operations were particularly intricate. After stealing a vehicle, they would scour online car-selling websites for similar makes, models, and colors.
Using publicly available information, they identified details of legitimate owners and fabricated documents in the owner's name, incorporating the photograph of one of the suspects. They also opened bank accounts under these fictitious identities.
To evade capture, the syndicate altered the engine and chassis numbers of the stolen vehicles to align with those of genuine cars. They then crafted fraudulent Registration Certificates (RCs), making the stolen cars appear authentic. Once the vehicles were effectively ‘cloned,’ they were listed for sale on various online platforms.
The gang specifically targeted high-demand automobiles, often selecting vehicles parked in areas with minimal surveillance. The police noted the gang's use of advanced technology to facilitate their operations.
A team led by Inspector Arun Sindhu of the Crime Branch was at the forefront of the investigation, resulting in the arrest and recovery of the stolen vehicles.