What is the story about?
In a major crackdown, a 'Special 26'-inspired gang has been busted by the Delhi Police following a 1,200-kilometre chase that resulted in the recovery
of over 1 kilogram of gold. This criminal group, consisting of five individuals, executed a brazen heist on November 27, impersonating law enforcement officials to steal gold from a jewellery workshop in Karol Bagh.
Special 26 Inspired Robbery
The gang, inspired by the Bollywood heist film Special 26, pulled off the robbery on November 27 by posing as law-enforcement officials. One member dressed in a police uniform while the others impersonated Income Tax officers conducting an “inspection.” They seized workers’ phones, announced a search operation, removed the CCTV DVR, and escaped with nearly 1 kg of gold.
How Delhi Police Busted the Gang
The investigation commenced promptly after the heist, with police scanning over 250 CCTV cameras across multiple locations, including Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Hisar, and Jind.
A significant breakthrough occurred when authorities traced one of the suspects, Sandeep, to Bahadurgarh. His subsequent interrogation led to the arrest of four other accomplices: Parvinder, Rakesh, Shaminder, and Lavpreet, who were captured in various cities in Haryana and Delhi.
Also Read: Bengaluru Heist: Fake Income Tax Officials Target ATM Van, Flee With Rs 7 Crore — What Happened Next
How Much Did the Gang Steal?
The gang successfully stole 1 kilogram and 1 gram of gold during the fake raid, along with seizing mobile phones from the workshop staff. They also removed the CCTV digital video recorder to eliminate evidence. So far, authorities have recovered 435 grams of the stolen gold, along with Rs 3.97 lakh in cash, three vehicles, and five fake police ID holders.
Chased for 1,200 Kilometres Over 3 Days
The police pursuit lasted for three days, covering a distance of 1,200 kilometres. Parvinder was identified as the mastermind behind the operation, while Sandeep coordinated logistics. Shaminder impersonated a police officer, and Lavpreet acted as an Income Tax official.
Rakesh was responsible for procuring fake police lanyards and managing the vehicles used in the heist. Investigators revealed that Sandeep had sold 428 grams of gold to pay off debts, indicating financial motives behind the crime.
Investigation Continues
While five gang members have been arrested, three other suspects, including Akram, who allegedly provided intelligence about the jewellery workshop, remain at large. Police continue their efforts to locate these individuals and recover the remaining stolen gold. This incident highlights a concerning trend of impersonation-related crimes and emphasises the need for heightened vigilance among business owners and the public.
