Police foiled a major plot to steal mobile phones and gold jewelry by taking advantage of the crowd of millions at Indore’s world-famous Rangpanchami festival. In a joint operation by the Crime Branch and local police, 20 suspects from an interstate gang were arrested. According to police, the accused had traveled to Indore from other states specifically to commit crimes during the festival. All the accused are currently being interrogated, and a search is underway for other members of their network.
Police received prior information that some suspects were planning a major crime during the Rangpanchami festival. Following this, the Crime Branch and Chhoti Gwaltoli police began searching hotels in the Sarwate bus stand and surrounding areas. During the investigation, several suspects were detained, and interrogation revealed that they were planning to take advantage of the crowds to commit pickpockets and thefts.
Police investigation revealed that 15 of the arrested accused came from Bihar’s East and West Champaran districts, while five arrived in Indore from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Surprisingly, all the accused arrived in Indore by plane and were staying at Hotel Neelam and Hotel Gaurav in the city’s Sarvate Bus Stand area. Police believe these individuals target large-scale events in an organized manner.
Indore’s Rangpanchami fair is famous nationwide and attracts millions of people every year. According to police, around five lakh people were expected to attend this time too. The accused were planning to steal mobile phones, gold chains, and other valuables by taking advantage of this crowd. The accused are also said to have experience in such incidents.
According to police officials, timely action prevented major incidents of theft and robbery. The arrested suspects are currently being interrogated to identify their accomplices and to determine in which other cities they have previously committed similar crimes. The police state that security arrangements will be further bolstered during major events, such as the Rangpanchami Ger, to ensure the safety of the public.
