An alleged 24-year-old snatcher wanted in around 50 cases of snatching in South Delhi was arrested by the STF and jewellery worth Rs eight lakh was recovered from him after police decided to beat the criminals in their own game.
The accused, identified as Gaurav Chikna (24) was arrested by the Special Task Force of South Delhi Police and a loaded pistol was also recovered from him.
There had been several incidents of snatchings in different areas of South Delhi, wherein snatchers had targeted women. In most of the incidents, culprits came from wrong side of the road on their motorcycle so that they can escape easily after committing a robbery.
"In order to curb this menace, the police team studied the pattern criminals had used in the past and then planned accordingly. We used high-speed modern motorcycles which could compete with the bikes used by the criminals. Around 30 teams were formed, two men on each motorcycle with arms and wireless sets," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South B S Jaiswal.
The teams took their position on the wrong side of the road at isolated places to intercept the snatchers. The police team kept on moving on the road so that they could not be identified by the criminals but kept an eye on the movements of women roaming around the area, he said.
The strategy of the police bore fruit and finally Gaurav Chikna, who got down from the motor cycle to snatch a chain in Shanker Vihar area near NH-8 was nabbed.
On search, a loaded pistol and gold chains were also recovered from his possession. His other associate, who was later identified as Javed managed to escape from the spot on motor cycle.
During interrogation, Gaurav Chikna allegedly disclosed that he is a member of Bada Gaurav Gang of Jherera who is presently lodged in jail in snatching, robbery and murder cases.
After he went to jail, Chikna took command of the gang, which consists of 7-8 active snatchers. They all commit snatching in South and South West Delhi and give major share to their gang leader 'Bada Gaurav'.
"Chikna has disclosed that their gang has committed about 50 snatchings since they came out of the jail in February. He has earlier been involved in 15 cases of snatchings, robberies and NDPS Act. Efforts are on to arrest other accused persons and to recover more robbed properties," said Jaiswal.
