Police Crack Down on Serial Theft Gang in Itanagar

Itanagar,  05 January 2025:
The Itanagar Police have successfully apprehended a gang of serial offenders involved in multiple theft cases in the Itanagar Capital Region. The arrests come after a month-long investigation led by a dedicated police team consisting of Inspector K. Yangfo, OC, PS Itanagar with support from Mr.Vivek Kr. Maurya IPS(P), SI RK Jha (IO) SI Padam Padi (IO) , SI Tana Suraj IO) and SI. Smuel Ngupok under supervision of Shri Kengo Dirchi, SDPO Itanagar.

THE CASES:-

1. On 11th December 2024: complainant reported the theft of ₹3,00,000, which was stolen from his car outside the SBI Itanagar branch. The suspects tricked the complainant into picking up fake fallen currency notes while they stole the cash bag.
2. On 9th December 2024: Miss Milli Ossen reported the theft of cash from her scooty parked in the basement of V-Mart, Ganga Market.
3. On 28th October 2024: Sri Dipak Deori, an ATM engineer, reported the theft of ₹1,50,000 along with personal documents and valuables while servicing a cash deposit machine at the SBI Main Branch Itanagar.

INVESTIGATION AND ARRESTS :- The police team meticulously tracked the suspects using technical surveillance and local intelligence. The investigation revealed that the gang operated in the Itanagar Capital Region, committing thefts and fleeing to other states like West Bengal to evade capture.

On 03 January 2025, following a tip-off and the monitoring of a suspicious motorcycle near SBI Itanagar, two suspects were apprehended on the bank premises. A third suspect was later arrested at Harmutty Railway Station based on their confessions.

ARRESTED ACCUSEDS :

1. Chandan Gowala (57): Resident of Rajganj, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.
2. Deepak Sharma (57): Resident of Baradari, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
3. Rakesh (47): Resident of Rajganj, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

The police recovered a Hero Honda Glamour motorcycle (used in the crimes) which was found to have a fake registration number.

MODUS OPERANDI:-

The accused targeted banks and parking areas, observing potential victims withdrawing or handling cash. They employed deceptive tactics such as dropping fake currency notes or creating distractions by spitting on victims to steal valuables. Their elderly appearance and temporary residency in Arunachal Pradesh helped them avoid suspicion.

APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC:-
Shri Rohit Rajbir Singh, IPS, SP Itanagar has urged citizens

1. To avoid leaving large amounts of cash unattended in vehicles.
2. To Be vigilant around banks and report suspicious activities.
3. To Utilize secure parking spaces and ensure vehicles are locked properly. The Itanagar capital Police remain committed to maintaining the safety and security of the public and ensuring swift action against criminal. The SP Itanagar has appreciated unwavering effort of the team in solving the cases and assured suitable reward.