After a lull, attention-diversion theft is back in the city. A day after miscreants robbed five elderly women of their gold jewellery in different areas, a special team was formed to nab these tricksters, commonly known as `Irani' gangs. They reportedly come from Hubli and Gadag in Karnataka, and Hindupur and its surrounding areas in Andhra Pradesh. Police are also looking for those arrested earlier for similar crimes. Last year, a jewellery shop owner caught one such thief when he and his accomplices tried to flee with gold. The gang had posed as customers. Police said some of these thieves had been released on bail recently.
Joint commissioner of police (crime) Alok Kumar said police suspect these miscreants stun their victims by throwing a powder which causes hallucination. "On Monday, one victim claimed she felt she was losing consciousness for a short while after these miscreants approached her. We have registered robbery cases earlier in which victims said the same thing," he said.
A senior officer said miscreants normally pick their victims carefully and plan their attack. "In all five cases, they targeted women over 60 years of age. The culprits struck when victims were alone," he said.
On Monday, five women were robbed of their gold chains and bangles by tricksters who approached them on the pretext of seeking their blessings. After befriending victims, the gang gave them a 500-rupee note. The culprits told the victims they planned to start a business. Even as culprits sought their blessings, the victims lost consciousness for a brief spell. Taking advantage of this, the thieves fled with their gold jewellery.
Nomadic gangs
Nomadic gangs from North Karnataka often camp near railway stations and other crowded areas. The members are related to each other and commit offences at different places before returning to their homes. Some even pose as policemen and have a distinctive modus operandi.
Joint commissioner of police (crime) Alok Kumar said police suspect these miscreants stun their victims by throwing a powder which causes hallucination. "On Monday, one victim claimed she felt she was losing consciousness for a short while after these miscreants approached her. We have registered robbery cases earlier in which victims said the same thing," he said.
A senior officer said miscreants normally pick their victims carefully and plan their attack. "In all five cases, they targeted women over 60 years of age. The culprits struck when victims were alone," he said.
On Monday, five women were robbed of their gold chains and bangles by tricksters who approached them on the pretext of seeking their blessings. After befriending victims, the gang gave them a 500-rupee note. The culprits told the victims they planned to start a business. Even as culprits sought their blessings, the victims lost consciousness for a brief spell. Taking advantage of this, the thieves fled with their gold jewellery.
Nomadic gangs
Nomadic gangs from North Karnataka often camp near railway stations and other crowded areas. The members are related to each other and commit offences at different places before returning to their homes. Some even pose as policemen and have a distinctive modus operandi.
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