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Delhi Police dismantle an inter-state phone theft racket, arresting 4 accused and recovering 45 smartphones stolen from devotees during the ‘Visarjan’ festival in Mumbai. Learn how the racket operated and what authorities are doing to prevent such crimes.
Delhi Police Bust Inter-State Phone Theft Racket – 4 Held with 45 Stolen Phones from ‘Visarjan’ Crowds in Mumbai
Overview of the Case
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police have successfully cracked an inter-state phone theft racket involving stolen smartphones from religious festival crowds in Mumbai. The racket, which targeted devotees during the ‘Visarjan’ immersion ceremonies, saw a surge in phone thefts over the past few weeks. Authorities arrested four individuals and recovered 45 smartphones linked to incidents during the festivities.
The arrests and recovery operations come after months of surveillance and coordination between the Mumbai and Delhi police forces. This case not only exposes the growing threat of organized theft gangs but also highlights the vulnerability of crowds during major public events.
How the Theft Racket Operated
According to police reports, the accused were part of a highly organized group that targeted crowded religious events like ‘Visarjan’ – when idols are immersed in water bodies at the end of festival celebrations. These gatherings often see thousands of devotees in tightly packed spaces, making it easier for pickpockets and snatchers to operate.
The modus operandi involved:
- Identifying vulnerable spots within the crowd.
- Snatching phones from distracted individuals.
- Quickly transferring the devices to handlers waiting nearby.
- Smuggling the phones out of the state for resale in black markets.
The recovered phones included high-end models from various brands, many of which had been switched off or stripped of tracking features.
Coordination Between Delhi and Mumbai Police
This case is a textbook example of inter-state collaboration. Once complaints from Mumbai began to pile up, the Mumbai Police started tracing phone IMEI numbers. The patterns pointed toward locations in Delhi and surrounding areas.
The Delhi Police’s Special Cell, in coordination with local units, set up surveillance, intercepted calls, and tracked device movements. Their efforts culminated in arrests in Delhi’s outskirts, where stolen phones were being collected, repaired, and sold.
Officials confirmed that this racket was not limited to one event but had been operating across multiple festivals and crowded public gatherings.
Profiles of the Accused
The four arrested individuals are in their mid-20s to early 30s and reportedly have prior records related to theft and handling stolen prope
Police are now investigating possible links to other crimes such as drug distribution and fraudulent transactions using stolen phones.
Impact on Devotees and Public Safety
The ‘Visarjan’ immersion ceremony is one of the most celebrated religious events in India, drawing large crowds and creating chaotic environments that are ripe for petty crime. Many victims complained of losing expensive devices with critical data, contacts, and personal information.
Authorities are urging festival organizers and the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately.
Preventive Measures and Awareness Drive
The police have initiated the following steps to prevent such crimes in future:
- Awareness campaigns encouraging people to secure their belongings.
- Deployment of CCTV surveillance in crowded areas.
- Use of IMEI tracking technology to trace stolen phones.
- Coordination with telecom operators to blacklist stolen devices.
- Increased presence of plainclothes officers during major public events.
Furthermore, police are encouraging people to register their devices and keep a record of IMEI numbers to aid in recovery.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
- Avoid carrying expensive devices in large crowds.
- Use secure pockets or bags with zippers.
- Regularly back up your phone data.
- Install tracking apps and keep them activated.
- Report thefts immediately to both local police and your service provider.
The busting of this inter-state phone theft racket by Delhi Police serves as a wake-up call for both authorities and the public. With festivals attracting massive crowds, organized crime groups find ample opportunity to exploit distractions and vulnerabilities.
While the arrests mark a significant success in curbing such activities, awareness and vigilance remain key to preventing future incidents. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and crack down on similar networks, ensuring safer celebrations and public spaces.
