Itanagar: Authorities in Itanagar have successfully dismantled a gang linked to numerous thefts across the Capital Region, a senior officer reported on Monday.
Capital Superintendent of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh revealed that the arrests followed a month-long investigation spearheaded by Itanagar police station’s Officer-in-Charge, Inspector K Yangfo, along with a dedicated team.
The gang’s illicit activities were exposed after a series of thefts were reported in the region.
One such incident occurred on December 11 last year when a complaint was filed about Rs. 3 lakh being stolen from a car parked outside the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Itanagar.
The suspects used a diversion tactic, scattering counterfeit currency to distract the victim and escaping with the money.
In another case on December 9, a woman reported cash stolen from her scooter parked at a market.
Earlier, on October 28, an ATM technician lost Rs. 1.5 lakh, along with personal documents and valuables, while servicing a cash deposit machine at the SBI main branch.
Investigations uncovered a sophisticated operation where the gang targeted vulnerable locations such as parking areas and bank premises.
The suspects frequently moved between Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal to evade law enforcement, Singh said.
Based on intelligence, officers apprehended two suspects near the SBI branch in Itanagar, with a third individual later captured at Harmutty railway station after confessions were obtained during interrogation.
The suspects were identified as Chandan Gowala (57) and Rakesh (47) from Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, and Deepak Sharma (57) from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
The gang used tactics such as monitoring potential victims near banks and employing distraction techniques, including scattering fake notes, to execute their crimes.
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Their advanced age and temporary stay in the area helped them blend into the community, avoiding suspicion.
SP Singh urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid leaving money or valuables unattended in vehicles, and report any suspicious activities promptly.
He also emphasised the importance of secure parking and properly locking vehicles to deter such incidents.
The officer further announced rewards for the team members who worked tirelessly to crack the case, recognising their commitment and hard work.
