New Delhi: Mangolpuri Police have busted an alleged gang targeting e-rickshaw drivers by making them consume drug-laced cold drinks before fleeing with their vehicles and mobile phones. Three people, including two brothers suspected of stealing vehicles and their relative who allegedly purchased the stolen e-rickshaws, have been arrested. Police have recovered 10 e-rickshaws, including one belonging to a deceased driver, along with 47 tools.
How Did the Investigation Begin?
Addressing a press conference at Delhi Police Headquarters, Outer District DCP Vikram Singh said the investigation began on October 27, when a young man was found unconscious near Bapu Park in Mangolpuri. Police personnel rushed him to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, where he later died.
The deceased was identified as Akash, son of Anil, a resident of Mangolpuri. He earned his livelihood by driving an e-rickshaw, mainly operating between the P-Block Mangolpuri red light and Sultanpuri.
According to police, Akash had left for work on October 26, but his mobile phone became unreachable at around 5 pm. Following his death, a case was registered at Mangolpuri police station under FIR No. 794/2026, invoking Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
CCTV Footage Helped Trace the Suspects
Considering the seriousness of the case, a special team was formed under the supervision of ACP Mangolpuri Amit Issar and led by SHO Inspector Mahendra Pratap Singh. The team examined CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas and used technical analysis to track the deceased’s movements.
Following sustained investigation, police arrested Zakir alias Sultan from Jafrabad.
Drug-Laced Drinks Allegedly Used to Target Drivers
During questioning, Zakir allegedly disclosed that he and his brother Asif targeted e-rickshaw drivers by offering them cold drinks mixed with intoxicating substances or tablets. Once the drivers lost consciousness, the accused allegedly took away their e-rickshaws and mobile phones.
Police suspect that the same method was used in Akash’s case. However, the exact nature of the substance involved and the circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation.
Relative Allegedly Bought the Stolen Vehicles
Police said the stolen e-rickshaws were fitted with changed number plates before being put out for rental use. The alleged buyers in the network included Yusuf alias Bhure, a relative of Zakir and Asif.
The arrested accused have been identified as Zakir alias Sultan (30), Asif (26) and Yusuf alias Bhure (39). Police records show that Zakir was previously booked in a case registered at Bhajanpura police station. Asif has no previous criminal record, while Yusuf was named in a case registered at Jafrabad police station in 2011.
Ten E-Rickshaws and 47 Tools Recovered
The recovery includes Akash’s e-rickshaw and nine other suspected stolen vehicles. Police also seized 47 tools, including screwdrivers and a grinder, allegedly used in the operation.
Investigators are now working to identify the rightful owners of the recovered vehicles and establish whether the gang was involved in other similar incidents.
The operation was carried out by a team led by Inspector Mahendra Pratap Singh under the supervision of ACP Amit Issar, with the involvement of SI Rahul, Head Constables Ajay, Vikas, Yudhvir and Sunil Rathi, and Constable Sushil.
