Gang targeting music fests in Delhi busted, two thieves held

A gang of thieves, which had chosen music festivals and concerts held in the Capital as its place of work, was busted after two of its members were nabbed. Many high-end mobile phones and other valuables were recovered from their possession.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Yusuf, 32, and Saddam alias Danish, 24.

According to senior officers, the gang came under the police radar after several complaints were received about people losing their wallets, phones, and other valuables while attending music festivals and concerts. It was also noticed that the NSIC Ground was one of the places where the frequency of such incidents was exceptionally high. So, the southeast district police took special initiatives and a strict vigil was maintained in the area.

"Last Saturday, one Anmol Bhatia lodged a complaint that he had gone to attend a musical concert at the NSIC Ground, where someone stole his i-Phone. During the investigation, CCTV footage of the concert was scanned and intelligence was developed.

Several workers of the venue as well as frequent visitors were questioned and it was revealed that two suspicious men, known to come to many major events, had visited this musical concert as well. It was also revealed that the duo stole valuables from marriages and parties also," DCP (south) Chinmoy Biswal said.

After identifying them, more information was developed and a trap was laid near the Kalkaji temple, from where the duo was arrested. "During questioning, the duo revealed that they used work as waiters in a hotel in Nizamuddin and would steal valuables from parties. Gradually, they gained confidence and started buying tickets for major concerts and festivals across the city . Ajmat would sell the stolen items in Nehru Place or Gaffar Market, with the help of their associates," the DCP said.