Delhi Police busts mobile snatching gang in East Delhi; 4 held
Synopsis
A four-member mobile snatching gang with a combined history of nearly 30 criminal cases has been busted in East Delhi — cracked open by 100 CCTV cameras, a tip-off, and a 3 am snatching complaint that set off a nine-day investigation.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police arrested four accused from a mobile snatching gang near Ghazipur Gol Chakkar, Khichripur on 24 May 2026 .
The operation stemmed from an FIR ( No.
169/2026 ) filed at PS Madhu Vihar after a snatching at 3 am on 14–15 May .
Police analysed footage from nearly 100 CCTV cameras to track and identify the accused.
Recovered items include a grey OnePlus phone , a Lava phone , and a Hero Splendor motorcycle (DL3R-22) .
Raj Kumar alias Shetty is linked to 21 prior criminal cases ; Ram Prakash alias Anil to 8 cases .
All four have been remanded to judicial custody ; investigation into further offences is ongoing.
Delhi Police on Saturday, 24 May 2026, dismantled an active mobile phone snatching gang operating across East Delhi, arresting four accused near Ghazipur Gol Chakkar in the Khichripur area. The operation, led by Police Station Madhu Vihar, recovered two stolen mobile phones and a motorcycle used in the crimes.
How the Operation Unfolded
The case was triggered by a complaint filed on 15 May 2026 at PS Madhu Vihar, in which a victim alleged his mobile phone was snatched near Telco T-Point, Hassanpur, during the intervening night of 14–15 May at approximately 3 am. An FIR — No. 169/2026 — was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and a dedicated team was constituted immediately.
The team, comprising Head Constable Sachin Tyagi, Head Constable Arun, and Head Constable Neeraj, operated under the leadership of SHO Rajesh Vijay Vargis and the supervision of ACP Tilak Chandra Bisht. Investigators analysed footage from nearly 100 CCTV cameras installed around the crime scene and adjoining routes to establish the movement and identities of the suspects.
The Arrests and Recoveries
Acting on a tip-off, the police team conducted a raid near Ghazipur Gol Chakkar, Khichripur, where all four accused were apprehended. The arrested individuals have been identified as Vishal alias Atul, 26; Rajesh alias Raje, 24; Raj Kumar alias Shetty, 39; and Ram Prakash alias Anil, 29 — all residents of Khichripur, Delhi.
During the search, police recovered a grey-coloured OnePlus mobile phone linked to an e-FIR registered under Section 303(2) BNS, a Lava mobile phone connected to a separate FIR at PS Madhu Vihar, and a black Hero Splendor motorcycle bearing registration number DL3R-22 — the vehicle allegedly used in the offences.
Criminal Backgrounds of the Accused
According to police, two of the four are habitual offenders with extensive prior records. Raj Kumar alias Shetty is listed as a 'Bad Character' at PS Kalyanpuri and is allegedly linked to 21 criminal cases in Delhi. Ram Prakash alias Anil is similarly categorised and has reportedly been involved in eight previous criminal cases.
The remaining two — Vishal and Rajesh — reportedly worked as labourers and were allegedly drug addicts. Vishal had been involved in two earlier cases, while no prior criminal record was found against Rajesh.
What Happens Next
All four accused were produced before a court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain their involvement in additional cases across Delhi. The East District Police described the operation as part of its sustained drive to curb street crime and strengthen public safety.
Point of View
Raising questions about why repeat offenders remained at large across multiple police station jurisdictions. The 100-camera CCTV sweep that cracked this case also underscores how street crime investigations in Delhi now lean heavily on surveillance infrastructure — a capability that exists in pockets but is far from uniform across the city. The real test is whether the ongoing investigation links this gang to the wider pattern of mobile thefts that have spiked in East Delhi, or whether the case closes with four remands and no systemic accountability.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Delhi Police Madhu Vihar gang bust?
Four men were arrested: Vishal alias Atul (26), Rajesh alias Raje (24), Raj Kumar alias Shetty (39), and Ram Prakash alias Anil (29), all residents of Khichripur, Delhi. They were apprehended near Ghazipur Gol Chakkar on Saturday, 24 May 2026.
What triggered the investigation into the mobile snatching gang?
The investigation began after a victim filed a complaint on 15 May 2026 at PS Madhu Vihar, alleging his mobile phone was snatched near Telco T-Point, Hassanpur, at around 3 am. An FIR (No. 169/2026) was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, prompting the formation of a dedicated police team.
What was recovered from the accused?
Police recovered a grey OnePlus mobile phone linked to an e-FIR, a Lava mobile phone connected to a separate FIR at PS Madhu Vihar, and a black Hero Splendor motorcycle (DL3R-22) used in the offences.
Do the arrested accused have prior criminal records?
Two of the four have extensive records. Raj Kumar alias Shetty is listed as a 'Bad Character' at PS Kalyanpuri and is allegedly linked to 21 criminal cases in Delhi. Ram Prakash alias Anil is similarly listed and reportedly involved in 8 prior cases. Vishal had 2 earlier cases, while Rajesh had none on record.
What is the current status of the four accused?
All four were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police have stated that further investigation is underway to determine their involvement in additional criminal cases across Delhi.
