In a significant breakthrough, Pathankot Police have successfully dismantled a notorious criminal gang that employed a unique modus operandi - posing as professional cooks or domestic help before executing meticulously planned criminal activities. The gang's operations spanned across multiple states, leaving a trail of victims in its wake.
The mastermind, identified as Hikmath Khadka, a resident of village Gao Phulwari, District Kaliali Nepal, and his accomplice Dharam Raj Bohra, hailing from village Dhangari, District Kaliali Nepal, were apprehended after a detailed investigation that spanned across state lines. The duo, well-acquainted with their criminal enterprise, has a history of evading the law, as evidenced by multiple cases registered against them in various jurisdictions including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
Divulging more details to the press media, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that Madhu Sudan, reported that his friend's residence had fallen victim to this gang's calculated approach. During the night of 13.05.2023, the gang's cook, Harish Rukaya, orchestrated an attack on the residence of Munish Pudar, who was temporarily abroad. The gang successfully incapacitated the household members and fled with a considerable haul, including cash, gold ornaments, and a licensed pistol.
This audacious robbery triggered an immediate response from a specialised team led by Inspector Rajesh Hastir, supported by technical and cyber experts Sub Inspector Mohit Taak and SI Sahil Pathania, all under the supervision of DSP City Lakhwinder Singh Randhawa. The breakthrough investigation was initiated following the registration of FIR No. 43 dated 14.05.2023 under section 457,381,328,427,120-B IPC at police station division No.1.
The examination of CCTV footage revealed vital clues, leading the authorities to the vehicle used by the culprits - a DL-1ZD-2671 model Swift. This trail eventually led to the identification and apprehension of the culprits, including Harish Rukaya, through a meticulous tracking process. Further investigations revealed that the gang's reach extended to various states. Notably, Kamal Singh Raghav, the driver of the identified vehicle, Ravinder Kumar, the manager, and Raj Kumar, were instrumental in connecting the dots, leading to the gang members' eventual arrest.
In a coordinated effort, SI Mohit Tak, ASI Dalbir Simagh along with police team from police station division No.1 extended the investigation to Bangalore City, leading to the arrest of two prime accused. The duo, both residents of Nepal, were brought back to Pathankot on transit remand.
Throughout the process of interrogation, significant insights were gleaned from the apprehended individuals. Subsequently, acting upon their clue, a sum of INR 5,641,000, a pilfered firearm, and a trio of gold coins, including a pair of exquisite 37-gram and 30-milligram gold women's jhumka, were successfully retrieved from the state of Uttar Pradesh, all in accordance with the identifications provided by the aforementioned accused individuals.
Both accused have been implicated in a series of cases across different jurisdictions, demonstrating the gang's far-reaching criminal activities. Their operations span Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal and other regions.
The accused has been granted a 10-day remand by the local court, and ongoing investigations are underway. The police teams are currently conducting raids to apprehend the remaining associates of the gang, as additional recoveries are anticipated.
SSP Khakh added that the gang's activities centered on the strategy of gaining entry into households under the pretext of offering culinary or domestic services. After establishing a presence within the targeted residence, the members conducted thorough reconnaissance of the premises, setting the stage for their criminal acts. Once their plans were in place, they rendered the residents unconscious using sedative drugs, executing their crimes swiftly and escaping with valuable assets.