A joint operation by Koh-e-Fiza and Shahjahanabad Police led to the arrest of seven notorious vehicle thieves involved in a sophisticated theft and dismantling racket in Bhopal. The police recovered eight stolen vehicles and parts of three dismantled vehicles, collectively valued at approximately Rs 7.5 lakh. The operation was initiated following a complaint lodged by Sanjana Verma on May 21, at Koh-e-Fiza Police Station. She reported that her scooter (MP04 ZQ-8345, 125cc) was stolen from the parking lot of Shikha Tower, Nayapura, between the night of May 20 and 21. A case was registered under Section 303(2) BNSS (Crime No. 292/2025), and an investigation was launched. Acting on directives from Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra and Additional Police Commissioner Avadhesh Goswami to curb vehicle thefts, burglaries, and property-related crimes, a special team was formed under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-3) Riyaz Iqbal and Additional DCP (Zone-3) Shalini Dixit. The team, led by ACP Shahjahanabad Anil Vajpayee, conducted extensive surveillance, interrogated suspects, and monitored mechanic shops in the area. Based on a tip-off from informants, the police apprehended Arshan Khan and Naveed Khan, who later revealed the involvement of their accomplices Haider Ali, Salman Khan, Sajjad Khan, Imran Khan, and Mohammad Sahil.

 

The investigation revealed that the gang operated a well-organised racket. Arshan and Naveed, the latter a skilled mechanic, stole vehicles and dismantled them at Naveed’s shop, selling the parts to other accomplices, including Sahil Khan, Imran Ali, Sajjad Khan, and Haider Ali. The group also forged vehicle registration cards using information obtained from the RTO to facilitate the illegal sale of stolen vehicles. The accused, described as educated and technically adept, used their knowledge to execute their crimes with precision. The police seized eight stolen vehicles, including a Suzuki Access (MP04 ZQ-8345), another scooter without a number plate, a Splendor motorcycle (MP04 QJ8256), and five other Access scooters (MP04 YF3412, MP09 ZP9640, MP04 ZN9197, MP04 UV9674, MP04 ZF7914), along with dismantled parts such as engines, chassis, fuel tanks, handles, footrests, seat covers, and other components. Tools used in the crimes, including a cutting machine, were also recovered. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs 7.5 lakh.