Dehradun: Two petty thieves, suspected to be pickpockets, were arrested for allegedly stealing valuables from devotees at crowded spots and in queues near the Kedarnath shrine, police said on Sunday.
Rajan Kumar, 34, and Sunny Kumar, 35, both residents of Ludhiana, were taken into custody. SP (Rudraprayag) Niharika Tomar stated that both men confessed during interrogation. “Police recovered stolen valuables and over Rs 5,000 in cash from them, and efforts are on to return the items using ID cards found in the wallets and purses,” she said.
An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS. Police have advised devotees to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to keep their belongings secure while visiting the temple. The arrests come as a relief to pilgrims who often fall prey to such thefts during the busy pilgrimage season.
Authorities have urged devotees to report any suspicious activity immediately and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or unnecessary valuables. The recovered items are being cataloged, and owners will be contacted based on identification documents found in the stolen wallets and purses.
