Guwahati Police Cracks Down on Disguised Thieves in Major Arrest Operation
In a significant breakthrough, a dedicated team from Basistha Police Station in Guwahati successfully apprehended a gang of thieves on Saturday. The suspects are accused of orchestrating a series of thefts across the city while cunningly disguising themselves in female attire to avoid suspicion and detection by authorities and the public alike.
Details of the Accused and Their Criminal Activities
According to official police statements, the three individuals arrested have been identified as Janmoni Sharma, Dhananda Devi, and Gagan Barman. They are linked to multiple theft incidents, including home break-ins in various neighborhoods of Guwahati. Janmoni Sharma and Dhananda Devi, who are a couple originally from Sipajhar in Darrang district, currently reside in a rented accommodation in Pilingkata village, situated along the Assam-Meghalaya border near Guwahati. Meanwhile, Gagan Barman is a resident of the Lalmati area within the city.
Police Investigation and Key Revelations
Kapil Pathak, the officer-in-charge of Basistha Police Station, provided insights during a media briefing. He explained that the investigation was initiated following a formal complaint filed on the 9th of this month regarding a robbery in the Patarkuchi area. This led to the registration of a case at Basistha Police Station. During the subsequent probe, it was uncovered that Janmoni Sharma had been actively disguising himself as a woman to facilitate crimes such as stealing scooters, e-rickshaws, and committing thefts from individuals, including breaking into residential properties.
Pathak further elaborated that the gang utilized multiple vehicles to carry out their illicit activities. These included a two-wheeler scooter and four-wheelers like a mini-van, all of which have been seized by the police as part of the evidence collection process. "We are still investigating the matter to determine in which areas of the city they have committed such crimes," he stated, highlighting the ongoing nature of the inquiry.
Recovery of Evidence and Disguise Materials
Following the arrest, law enforcement officials conducted a thorough search and recovered several items used in the crimes. The seized materials include:
- Multiple sarees and mekhela sadors, traditional Assamese attire
- Wigs and handbags employed as part of the disguises
- Tools typically used for break-ins, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and other implements
These recoveries are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. The officer emphasized that analyzing these items will help establish the group's modus operandi and potentially link them to other similar incidents reported across Guwahati, thereby aiding in a comprehensive crackdown on related criminal activities.
