Greater Noida police encounters: 2 criminals shot in ATM fraud, chain-snatching ops
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Greater Noida police conducted two separate encounter operations on 7 June, neutralising alleged criminals linked to ATM card-jamming fraud and chain snatching. In both incidents, one accused sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, while police recovered illegal firearms, stolen property, and cash from the scene.
ATM Fraud Gang Busted in Bisrakh
The first encounter unfolded within the limits of the Bisrakh police station in Greater Noida, where officers confronted an alleged gang of ATM fraudsters. During the operation, one accused was shot in the leg in retaliatory police action, and two associates were arrested on the spot.
According to police officials, the gang had developed a method of jamming victims' bank cards inside ATM machines using Fevikwik. The accused would then approach cardholders posing as helpline representatives, gain their confidence, extract confidential PIN details, and subsequently withdraw money from the victims' accounts.
Police recovered an illegal firearm, live cartridges, a stolen motorcycle, equipment allegedly used in executing the ATM fraud, and cash suspected to be proceeds of the crime. Investigators are examining the criminal records of those arrested and probing their possible involvement in similar offences reported across other areas.
Habitual Offender Shot in Beta-2 Chain-Snatching Case
In a separate late-night operation near Baba Gol Chakkar in the Beta-2 area of Greater Noida, police apprehended a man accused of repeatedly targeting women in chain-snatching incidents. The accused, identified as Rajendra — also known by the aliases Lallu and Lilu — is a native of Gorakhpur and was reportedly residing in Site-5, Kasna.
The operation was launched on the basis of local intelligence inputs. A team from the Beta-2 police station had set up checks on suspicious motorcycle riders in the area. When officers signalled certain suspects to stop for questioning, the accused allegedly opened fire on the police in an attempt to evade arrest. Officers responded in self-defence and gave chase; during the pursuit, Rajendra sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, while an accomplice managed to flee the scene.
Police recovered an illegal pistol, cartridges, an Apache motorcycle allegedly stolen from the Kasna area, a gold chain believed to have been snatched from a victim, and three mobile phones suspected to be stolen property.
Criminal Record and Background
Initial investigations indicate that Rajendra is a habitual offender with a long criminal history. Police officials stated that more than 28 serious criminal cases are registered against him, spanning armed robberies and snatching of valuables from passersby, with women reportedly being his primary targets. Continuous combing and search operations are underway to trace and apprehend the absconding accomplice.
Investigations Ongoing
Both cases remain under active investigation. Authorities are examining the full extent of the gangs' operations, their criminal networks, and any links to similar incidents in neighbouring districts. Further details are expected as the probe progresses.