Gang ‘resurfaces’

SHILLONG: A gang which loots people after distracting them by throwing dirt or other substance seems to have re-surfaced in the city.
In a similar incident on Monday afternoon unidentified miscreants threw dirt at Syntan Giri Lyngdoh and snatched away his bag containing Rs. 5 lakh. The police are inquiring into the matter.
Earlier, the City Police had issued an advisory asking people to remain cautious against a criminal gang which usually throws some irritants or dirt to distract the victim before looting him/her.
Usually one member of the gang applies the dirt while the other tells the target that some substance was stuck in his/her clothes. As the victim gets busy rubbing off the dirt from the clothes, the gang members snatch their purse/bag etc. and flee from the spot.
Dropping of money on the road is another method adopted by the miscreants to rob their prey.
Police have cautioned the public, especially those coming out of banks after withdrawing money, not to let go of their bag if anyone tries to distract them.