New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of South District Police has busted the notorious Madhya Pradesh-based ‘Kachcha-Baniyan Pardi Gang’ and apprehended six of its members, including a rewarded criminal, following a brief encounter in South Delhi. During the exchange of fire, three of the accused sustained bullet injuries in their legs and were subsequently shifted to a hospital for treatment.

According to the police officials, the operation successfully solved a sensational burglary case registered at the Malviya Nagar police station.

The incident took place on the night of May 1, at a residence in Sarvodaya Enclave.

While the occupants were asleep, unidentified burglars broke into the house and decamped with cash and jewellery.

Initial investigation, aided by CCTV footage, revealed that three individuals had entered the house using specialised house-breaking tools.

Footage from nearby areas indicated that a total of six offenders were involved, with three entering the premises and the remaining three stationed in Vijay Mandal Park as backup during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Based on these findings, an FIR was registered at the Malviya Nagar Police Station, and an intensive investigation was launched.

Given the gravity of the offence, multiple teams comprising officers from the local police station, AATS, Special Staff, and ANS South District were formed.

Acting on specific intelligence, a dedicated AATS team laid a trap on the night of May 3, 2026, near the Jahapanah Forest area along the BRT Corridor under the jurisdiction of Ambedkar Nagar police station.

At around 12:55 a.m., the suspected gang members were spotted.

When police personnel signaled them to surrender, three of the accused opened fire on the team. In self-defence, the police retaliated, leading to a brief exchange of fire.

During the encounter, the accused fired six rounds, one of which struck the bulletproof jacket worn by the team leader.

The police responded with eight rounds before successfully overpowering all six individuals.

The injured accused have been identified as Nirmal alias Nikhil (34), Ambar alias Davin (25), and Samrat alias Samar alias Kala (30), all residents of Guna district in Madhya Pradesh. The remaining accused include Kakesh alias Kake alias Gujjar (24), Krish alias Deva (18), and a 17-year-old juvenile from Ratlam.

Police records indicate that the arrested individuals have a history of criminal involvement. Nirmal is linked to four previous cases, including offences under the Arms Act and charges of theft and dacoity. Samrat has been involved in cases of theft and robbery, while Ambar, a declared rewarded criminal, carried bounties of Rs 500 and Rs 10,000 in separate cases registered in Madhya Pradesh. Kakesh is also wanted in a serious criminal case, including charges of murder.

During the operation, police recovered a significant cache of burglary tools and weapons. These included a hydraulic pressure cutter, steel bolt cutter, crescent wrench, heavy-duty screwdrivers, a Z-shaped iron rod (locally known as “Hathia special”), an iron jali cutter, four catapults with around 50 stone pellets, and three torches.

Additionally, arms and ammunition were seized, including a semi-automatic pistol (7.65 mm) with live and spent cartridges, two country-made pistols (.315 bore) along with ammunition, and a spring-actuated knife.

The stolen property from the Malviya Nagar burglary case was also recovered. This included multiple pairs of gold earrings and jhumkis, silver jewellery, gold ear tops embedded with precious stones, and a silver pendant.

Police officials said that a separate case has been registered at Ambedkar Nagar police station under relevant sections of law.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the gang’s involvement in other criminal cases across Delhi and different states.

Senior officials praised the coordinated effort and swift action of the police teams.

The successful operation is being seen as a significant blow to an inter-state burglary syndicate that had been active in multiple regions.

–IANS

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