October 02: Srinagar Police apprehended a gang operating in City involved in Pickpocketing at busy public places. Police Station Shegarhi received a complaint from Asifa Hilal daughter of Hilal Ahmad Bhat resident of Gund Kangan, Ganderbal to the effect that she alongwith her cousin sister namely Rohi Jan (who’s marriage ceremony is scheduled in the month of October) came to Srinagar for marriage Shopping, they arrived at a shop @ She Style at Gonikhan Market and were busy in shopping and some Lady thieves (Pickpockets) took out a purse containing Rs 90,000 from her bag.
Accordingly, a case FIR No. 55/2020 under relevant sections of law was registered in the Police Station Shergarhi and investigation taken up.
During investigation, one suspected lady namely Mubeena wife of Late Ab Gani Sheikh eesident of Anantnag A/P Natipora Srinagar was picked up for questioning and during questioning she confessed about the crime which led to the arrest of three more persons. They have been identified as Mst. Zamrooda @ Jameela Wife of Sanaullah Bhat resident of SD Colony Batmaloo Srinagar, Ghulam Hassan Bhat son of Abdul Ahad resident of Shah Mohalla Parimpora Srinagar and Zahoor Ahmad Dandro Son of Abdul Rahman resident of Zaindar Mohalla Habakadal Srinagar and the stolen cash of Rs. 90,000 were recovered from them.
During Investigation, the modus operandi of this gang came into light, as these ladies/male members used to visit busy markets, public transport/ Shrines and create a scene of pushing each other against the victim and one lady among them would takes advantage of that pushing and takes away the valuables/cash from the targeted victim, who visit for shopping etc in busy public places. This gang then leaves the place immediately and at some open space and distribute these valuables/cash among themselves. The members of this gang flourished their houses with costly items which have been seized under Section 102 of CrPC by the I.O. for having no proof of the purchase of the items found in their houses and was found beyond their legal income. This gang has been operating in the different busy markets in Srinagar city and some areas of Anantnag.
During further investigation, three more ladies namely Shameema wife of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Guddi wife of Sikandar Ahmad Sheikh and Naseema wife of late Zahid Hussain Sheikh all residents of Ghat colony Noorbagh Srinagar have also been detained in the case and more recoveries are expected from them.
During investigation, officers were able to recover following items from their houses: 25 empty purses/pouches, 02 LCD TVs, 01 Carosine oil heater, 01 Copper item, 01 gas stove, 01 vaccum cleaner, 05 ATM cards/ credit cards, 01 washing machine, 01 pressure cooker, 01 Rice cooker , 01 Electric heater and 25 Keys.
Community members have applauded the efforts made by the Srinagar Police in solving the case. We assure community members that police have resolved to act tough against individuals involved in criminal activities.
