Shillong, October 20: Two men have been arrested by the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch for impersonating traffic police personnel and robbing an employee of Pan Bahar Pvt Ltd of Rs 50 lakh.
As per IANS, the incident unfolded on October 12 at around 5 pm as the Pan Bahar employee was returning to the office on Shivaji Marg, Moti Nagar, after collecting a payment from Kucha Ghasi Ram.
The two accused, Mahender and Sandeep, intercepted the victim’s vehicle near the Salim Garh flyover on Outer Ring Road. Posing as traffic police officers, they conducted a check and managed to open the car’s trunk. At that moment, two other individuals arrived on another motorcycle and seized a bag containing Rs 50 lakh.
Following the robbery, an FIR was registered at the IP Estate police station, and an investigation was launched. Given the gravity of the situation, the Crime Branch was tasked with cracking the case. The robbers had covered their faces with helmets, and the motorcycles used in the crime were stolen, making it challenging to identify them initially. Therefore, the police turned to technical analysis to track down the culprits.
This analysis of the victim’s route led to the discovery of the phones used by the criminals. Raids were subsequently conducted in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, leading to the apprehension of Mahender and Sandeep.
During questioning, Mahender revealed that Sandeep, Sagar, Harender, and Ritick, all residents of Noida, were involved in the crime. Sandeep had asked Mahender to provide five SIM cards for the robbery, which took place on October 3. Harender, an absconding co-accused, is believed to be the mastermind and a teacher in a government-aided school in Delhi. They meticulously planned the robbery, including choosing the interception spot and wearing traffic police uniforms.
The stolen money was taken to an undisclosed location for distribution. The arrested individuals also disclosed a plan for a high-profile kidnapping for ransom, with the victim to be kept in their hideout. Police continue their efforts to locate the absconding suspects.