Two organised gangs targeting travellers at Delhi railway stations
The Delhi Police Railway Unit has apprehended five women in two separate crackdowns — one at Sarai Rohilla Railway Station and another at New Delhi Railway Station — effectively taking down two groups allegedly involved in coordinated thefts targeting passengers.
Officials stated that the combined value of jewellery and other items recovered from both groups is close to ₹1 crore, an unusual instance where police managed to recover the stolen property in full.
How the gangs operated: Police detail the method
- First gang (Gujarat-based — from Palitana and Bhavnagar):
This group allegedly operated inside lifts at Sarai Rohilla station. Police said the women used distraction as their primary tactic — while one member engaged the victim or diverted attention, another would quietly unzip bags or purses to steal jewellery or watches. Valuables worth about ₹70 lakh were recovered from them. - Second gang (Delhi-based — Anand Parbat / Faridpuri Camp):
This team reportedly targeted elderly female passengers on escalators at New Delhi station. According to police, they observed a traveller’s body language and the way they carried their bags before choosing a target. They carried out the theft while victims were on the escalator, using the movement and crowd to slip away quickly. Items valued at roughly ₹30 lakh were seized. One accused, identified as Laxmi, is said to have 13 previous theft cases.
Investigation and arrests
Police officials said they examined more than 100 CCTV camera videos from the two stations, combining the footage with technical inputs and human intelligence to track down the suspects.
The recovery of the entire stolen property has been hailed by officers as a “rare 100% recovery.”
Impact of the operation & safety advisory for commuters
The case highlights how organised pickpocketing gangs exploit congested spots such as lifts and escalators to target vulnerable passengers — especially women and senior citizens.
Authorities have urged travellers to remain alert, keep handbags zipped and close to the body, avoid placing bags carelessly, and promptly report suspicious activity at railway stations.
