Two men were arrested in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, for allegedly stealing expensive DSLR cameras and photography equipment from a studio in Kolkata's Jadavpur area, police said. The accused — Qayum Sheikh and Lutfar Sheikh — had reportedly disguised themselves as ragpickers to case the studio before carrying out the theft.

How the Theft Was Carried Out

According to police, the two men routinely travelled to Kolkata by early morning train, disembarking at stations between Garia and Ballygunge in south Kolkata. Dressed as ragpickers and carrying slings, they walked the streets while identifying potential targets — homes and shops with valuables in plain sight.

The photography studio in Jadavpur caught their attention during one such reconnaissance. Under the guise of collecting paper waste, the duo observed cameras and equipment on display inside the studio from outside during the day. Late that night, they returned, broke the lock on the back door, and reportedly took away DSLR cameras, flashlights, stands, tripods, and assorted accessories.

Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Goods

After the theft, the two men reportedly made their way back to their camp in Ghutiari Sharif in South 24 Parganas. The very next day, they attempted to sell the stolen equipment cheaply — a move that proved to be their undoing.

The studio owner had already filed a complaint at Jadavpur police station, prompting a detective team from Lalbazar — the Kolkata Police headquarters — to begin an investigation. After scanning CCTV footage from the area, investigators identified the suspects. When intelligence reached the detectives that the stolen goods were being offloaded, they set a trap. Qayum and Lutfar were caught in the act of trying to sell the cameras at heavily discounted prices. A search of their tent led to the recovery of the entire haul of stolen items.

Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation

'It is their job to steal expensive items while pretending to be ragpickers. Both the arrested persons are being interrogated to find out whether anyone else besides the two is involved in this and whether there is a big gang behind it,' a senior Kolkata Police officer said.

Investigators are now probing whether the pair operated as part of a larger organised network targeting businesses in south Kolkata. The case highlights a reported pattern in which thieves exploit the invisibility afforded by everyday street roles — such as ragpicking — to conduct extended surveillance before striking.

Context and Pattern

The Jadavpur incident is not an isolated case of theft enabled by disguise. Law enforcement in several Indian cities has previously flagged cases where criminals use the cover of informal labour to blend into commercial neighbourhoods. The recovery of the full stolen haul within 24 hours of the theft, aided by CCTV tracking, underscores the growing role of urban surveillance infrastructure in solving property crimes. Interrogation of the accused is expected to clarify the full scope of their alleged activities.