Delhi Man Arrested for Allegedly Using Minor Children in Jama Masjid Theft Ring
In a shocking case from the capital, a man has been apprehended by Delhi Police for reportedly utilizing his two minor children, aged 15 and 13, to execute thefts in the bustling Jama Masjid market area of central Delhi. The investigation unfolded following a complaint from an Uzbek national who was visiting India for his young daughter's critical cancer surgery in Gurgaon.
Theft of $7,200 from Uzbek National Sparks Probe
The incident was formally reported at the Jama Masjid police station on January 15. According to the police complaint, the Uzbek national stated that he was carrying the substantial sum of $7,200 in a sling bag while touring the Jama Masjid market with his family for sightseeing and shopping. It was during this outing that he discovered the foreign currency, along with a debit card, had been stolen from his possession.
Technical Surveillance and CCTV Footage Lead to Breakthrough
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Anant Mittal detailed the investigative efforts. "Through sustained technical surveillance, meticulous analysis of CCTV footage from cameras installed around the market area, and robust field intelligence, two siblings from New Seelampur—both juveniles—were identified as suspects," Mittal explained. The police meticulously tracked and verified the movements of these minors, uncovering their involvement in several other similar theft cases in the vicinity.
Raids and Arrests Uncover Disturbing Pattern
Subsequent raids conducted at New Seelampur led to the arrest of the trio: the father and his two children. During interrogation, the accused man confessed to a calculated strategy. He admitted that he had repeatedly deployed his children to carry out thefts to avoid direct implication, subsequently keeping the stolen goods for himself. This revelation highlights a deeply concerning exploitation of minors for criminal activities.
Criminal Histories and Recoveries
Police investigations revealed that the arrested man had a prior criminal record, including involvement in a robbery case registered at the Pandav Nagar police station. The apprehended minors were also found to have previous involvements with the law, including cases related to motor vehicle thefts registered at the Jama Masjid police station.
From the accused, authorities successfully recovered:
- $6,500 of the stolen money
- A mobile phone valued at approximately Rs 48,000, allegedly purchased using the stolen funds
- Rs 4,700 in cash
- The complainant's debit card
This case underscores significant issues regarding child exploitation and urban crime in Delhi, prompting calls for stricter measures to protect vulnerable minors from being coerced into illegal activities by family members.
