Three-member gang arrested for targeting auto passengers in Afzalgunj

Afzalgunj police arrested three men for allegedly stealing valuables from passengers in shared autos. The gang targeted elderly and lone commuters. The arrests followed a complaint by an 82-year-old man. The prime accused remains absconding.

Hyderabad: The Afzalgunj police arrested a three-member gang involved in stealing valuables from unsuspecting passengers in auto-rickshaws here on Thursday.

The arrested suspects identified as Syed Ghayaz Hashmi, an auto driver from Bandlaguda, Syed Abdul Hassan of Madannapet and Mohd Waseem from Falaknuma. The prime suspect, Zubair Lala of Moin Bagh, is absconding.

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Police said the gang operated by picking up elderly or lone passengers in shared autos.

“While travelling, they would deliberately crowd and distract the victim before stealing cash or valuables. They would then ask the passenger to get down midway, citing a mechanical issue and flee from the spot,” police officials said.

Following a complaint by an 82-year-old retired employee who lost Rs 1,500 while travelling in an auto near Afzalgunj on February 11, the police booked a case and, with the help of surveillance cameras, identified and nabbed the suspects.