In a swift police operation, a 32-year-old man with an extensive criminal record was apprehended in New Delhi for allegedly committing four mobile phone snatchings across different areas of Shahdara district in a span of just 40 minutes.
A Crime Spree Across Police Stations
Police control rooms received four consecutive distress calls reporting snatchings, which were registered at Vivek Vihar, Farsh Bazar, and Anand Vihar police stations. The rapid succession of incidents pointed to a single perpetrator operating with brazen speed.
The accused has been identified as Musab alias Mustaq. Investigations revealed his formidable criminal history, with previous involvement in over 56 cases. He had been released from jail as recently as last July.
The Trail of Mud and CCTV
Acting on the complaints, teams from the Shahdara district immediately began scanning surveillance footage from the crime spots and adjoining areas. "CCTV footage from spots and nearby areas was examined, and the white scooter on which the suspect arrived was spotted. He was seen going towards the Karari Mor red light," said DCP (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam.
A key detail that initially aided the suspect but ultimately led to his identification was the condition of his vehicle. Police found that the front and rear number plates of the scooter were deliberately covered with mud, an apparent tactic to avoid detection by CCTV cameras and automated recognition systems.
Apprehension and Recovery
Despite the obscured plates, investigators successfully traced the route taken by the scooter. This digital trail led them directly to the suspect's residence in Jagatpuri. A raid was conducted, and Musab was subsequently apprehended.
During interrogation, he confessed to the recent crime spree. Furthermore, he admitted to committing several other snatchings in the east and northeast districts of Delhi. Acting on his confession, police searched his house and recovered six stolen mobile phones that he had hidden there. The white scooter used in the crimes was also seized.
This arrest highlights the effectiveness of coordinated CCTV monitoring and swift ground response in curbing street crimes in the national capital. It also brings to light the challenge of repeat offenders returning to crime shortly after release.
