Police in Jaipur have busted an organised mobile phone theft gang and arrested two accused, recovering eight stolen Android smartphones worth more than ₹1.5 lakh. According to investigators, the gang targeted people sleeping at major hospitals and bus stands across the city during the night.
Police officials said the accused were not only involved in stealing mobile phones but also in supplying the stolen devices to criminals and other suspicious individuals. Following the arrests, police have expanded the investigation to identify the wider network.
The case came to light after a man filed a complaint stating that his wife was admitted to a hospital and he had fallen asleep within the hospital premises at night. During that time, someone allegedly stole his mobile phone from his pocket.
After registering the case, police began an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage from the hospital and nearby areas. Based on technical evidence and information provided by informants, investigators traced the suspects.
Police subsequently arrested two suspects and recovered the stolen mobile phone along with seven additional smartphones from their possession.
During questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed details of their method of operation. Investigators found that they would visit hospitals, bus stands and other public places at night and monitor people's activities.
They specifically targeted individuals accompanying patients at hospitals or travellers sleeping at bus stands. According to police, the accused conducted surveillance for hours and stole mobile phones from pockets or belongings when victims were asleep before fleeing the scene.
Police believe the gang had been carrying out thefts using this method for a long period and that additional cases may emerge during the investigation.
Investigators also found that the network was not limited to mobile phone theft. The stolen devices were allegedly passed on to individuals interested in purchasing undocumented or suspicious mobile phones.
Police officials said stolen mobile phones are sometimes used in other criminal activities. Investigators are therefore attempting to identify the recipients of the stolen devices and determine who else may be involved in the network.
Police recovered eight smartphones from various brands, including Vivo, Redmi, Oppo and Tecno. Several of the devices were found in a locked condition.
Officials said efforts are underway to identify the rightful owners of the recovered phones. Authorities suspect that some of the devices may be linked to other theft cases and are conducting technical examinations to gather further information.
According to police records, both arrested individuals have previously been involved in multiple criminal cases.
One accused has more than 10 cases registered against him, including theft, robbery, offences under the Arms Act and other crimes. The second accused is reported to have more than a dozen cases related to theft, burglary, illegal possession of weapons and other criminal activities.
Police described both individuals as professional offenders who have been involved in criminal activities for an extended period.
Police officials said the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests may follow. Investigators are examining where the stolen phones were sold and whether the network operated beyond Jaipur.
Authorities said action against organised mobile theft gangs will continue and efforts are underway to identify all individuals connected to the network and take legal action against them.
