In a significant crackdown, the Delhi Police has invoked stringent organized crime provisions against a second all-women gang for allegedly orchestrating a series of thefts across the capital's Metro network. This action highlights a concerning pattern of petty organized crime being conducted by female groups on the city's rapid transit system.
Details of the Latest Gang and Arrest
Police sources identified the recently booked gang as comprising four members: Komal (22), Neha (22), Yogita (22), and Geeta (45). All are residents of the Faridpuri Transit Camp in Anand Parbat. The group was initially arrested in December following a specific theft incident on a metro train.
The case began when a complainant reported his wallet being stolen near the RK Ashram metro station. After investigation, police tracked down and apprehended the quartet. They were first charged under Section 303 (theft) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The more serious charge of Section 112 (petty organised crime) was added subsequently, marking this as the second female gang to be booked under this specific BNS section.
A Repeat Pattern and Previous Case
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier, in August last year, another all-women gang of four was booked under the same provision. That gang consisted of Laxmi (40), Sanjana (22), Sandhya (20), and Jahnvi (22), residents of Kathputli Colony in Shadipur.
Investigations revealed that the earlier gang was allegedly led by Laxmi, described as a habitual offender involved in at least 13 criminal cases. Her capture was pivotal; commuters caught her red-handed at the Nizamuddin–Sarai Kale Khan metro station last year and handed her over to the police. Based on her statements, the other members of her gang were subsequently arrested.
Modus Operandi and Police Statistics
Both gangs operated using a similar, coordinated method. Groups of four to five women would travel together on the metro. While three or four members would strategically distract the target or block the victim's view, shielding the act from other passengers, one member would swiftly steal valuables like wallets and phones.
Delhi Police data underscores the scale of this issue. Until December 11 last year, authorities had registered 40 FIRs for thefts committed by women in the metro. These led to the arrest of 51 individuals and the identification of six active all-women gangs. The problem has persisted into the current year. In 2024 alone, 48 such cases have been reported, resulting in 67 female offenders being apprehended.
Police Response and Preventive Measures
To combat this rising trend, Delhi Police's Metro unit has implemented several countermeasures. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Metro) Kushal Pal Singh outlined the steps being taken. These include deploying female police staff to patrol ladies' coaches specifically and conducting intensive foot patrols at crowded, high-traffic stations.
In a tech-driven initiative, the force has also rolled out a Facial Recognition System (FRS) across the network to help identify and track alleged offenders. These combined efforts aim to deter such organized thefts and enhance passenger safety on the Delhi Metro.
