Bihar Police bust inter-state women theft gang; 15 arrested in Muzaffarpur
Synopsis
Bihar Police dismantled an alleged inter-state women-only theft gang operating during the festive season, arresting 15 suspects in Muzaffarpur on 16 October. The gang — drawn from Gorakhpur, Deoria, Azamgarh and Siwan — reportedly targeted devotees at Durga Puja gatherings by surrounding victims in crowds. The bust raises questions about the support network that facilitated their movement across state lines.
Key Takeaways
Bihar Police arrested 15 women from an alleged inter-state theft gang in Muzaffarpur on 16 October 2026 .
11 of the arrested women are from Gorakhpur , Deoria and Azamgarh districts of Uttar Pradesh ; four are from Siwan district , Bihar.
Police recovered ₹16,800 in cash, three gold lockets , earrings and mobile phones from the suspects.
The gang allegedly targeted devotees and shoppers at festival gatherings, including Durga Puja events.
Investigators are probing the gang's links to other theft cases in Muzaffarpur and working to identify the alleged gang leader and support network.
Bihar Police have dismantled an alleged inter-state gang of women accused of stealing gold chains, purses, mobile phones and cash from crowded public spaces during the Navratri and festive season. A team from the Nagar police station arrested 15 women during a raid in the Railway Station Road area of Muzaffarpur on 16 October 2026, following a tip-off about planned thefts in the city.
How the Operation Unfolded
On 16 October, the Nagar police received intelligence that a group of women from outside the state was planning to carry out thefts at crowded locations in Muzaffarpur, targeting gold chains, mobile phones and purses. Acting swiftly on the information, a police team conducted a raid in the Railway Station Road area and apprehended all 15 suspects. City Superintendent of Police Mohibullah Ansari confirmed details of the operation at a press conference on Saturday.
Who Was Arrested and What Was Recovered
Of the 15 arrested women, 11 are from Uttar Pradesh — specifically from the districts of Gorakhpur, Deoria and Azamgarh — while the remaining four are residents of the Bhagwanpur area of Siwan district in Bihar. Police recovered ₹16,800 in cash, three gold lockets, earrings and mobile phones from their possession. Initial reports differ on the exact number of mobile phones recovered, according to police.
Alleged Modus Operandi
The gang allegedly targeted fairs, religious gatherings and crowded public spaces during festivals such as Durga Puja. The women reportedly worked in groups, surrounding unsuspecting women and devotees before discreetly snatching gold chains, jewellery, purses and cash when an opportunity arose. Their reported strategy of blending into festival crowds allowed them to operate without immediately attracting attention.
Investigation Ongoing
Investigators are now examining the arrested women's criminal records and their possible links to theft cases reported across other parts of Muzaffarpur district. SP Ansari said the accused are being interrogated to establish their involvement in incidents registered under various police station jurisdictions. Police are also working to identify who brought the women to Muzaffarpur, who provided accommodation or logistical support, and whether additional gang members remain active in the city. Establishing the identity of the alleged gang leader is a key focus of the probe.
Festive Season Vigilance
With large crowds converging on markets, religious venues and fairs during the festive calendar, Bihar Police had already intensified surveillance across Muzaffarpur to curb chain-snatching and pickpocketing. This arrest is part of that broader effort. The investigation is continuing, and further details are awaited as police work to determine the full extent of the gang's activities across the region.
Point of View
Exploiting the predictable congregation of large crowds at religious venues. The recovery of gold, cash and phones from 15 suspects suggests organised, repeated activity rather than opportunistic theft. What the investigation has yet to answer is the more significant question: who is coordinating and financing these inter-state movements? Until the logistics network — accommodation, transport, handlers — is dismantled, arresting foot soldiers alone offers limited deterrence. Bihar Police's acknowledgement of that gap is the right instinct; the follow-through will determine whether this bust is a genuine disruption or a seasonal number.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were 15 women arrested in Muzaffarpur, Bihar?
Bihar Police arrested 15 women on 16 October 2026 for allegedly belonging to an inter-state theft gang that targeted gold chains, purses, mobile phones and cash at festival gatherings in Muzaffarpur. The arrests followed a tip-off that the group was planning thefts in the city during the festive season.
Where are the arrested women from?
Eleven of the 15 arrested women are from Uttar Pradesh — specifically from Gorakhpur, Deoria and Azamgarh districts — while the remaining four are from the Bhagwanpur area of Siwan district in Bihar.
What was recovered from the accused?
Police recovered ₹16,800 in cash, three gold lockets, earrings and mobile phones from the arrested women. The exact number of mobile phones recovered is still being confirmed, according to police.
How did the gang allegedly operate?
The gang reportedly worked in groups at fairs, religious gatherings and crowded public places during festivals such as Durga Puja. Members would allegedly surround unsuspecting women and devotees and discreetly steal gold chains, jewellery, purses and cash.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Investigators are examining the arrested women's criminal records and probing links to other theft cases across Muzaffarpur district. Police are also trying to identify who coordinated the gang's travel and accommodation, and whether additional members remain active in the city.
