Robbers who struck on 'auspicious' Tuesday mornings nabbed

Six robbers, who allegedly targeted south Delhi farm houses on Tuesdays considering it an "auspicious day", were arrested in the capital, police said today.

The gang was allegedly involved in the robbery at the Ghittroni farmhouse of German diplomat Danny Duske at gunpoint on November 3, deputy commissioner of police (South) HGS Dhaliwal said. They were involved in robberies at two other farm houses also.

Mohd Irfan, the gang leader, Mohd Shahabudin, a double murder convict who is currently on bail, Paras, Baldev Raj, Rafiq and Munesh Kumar were arrested recently from the ridge area in Vasant Kunj.

"Their favourite time was in the early morning of Tuesday as it was supposed to be the auspicious day. They were also learning to operate gas cutters and scale high walls by using of ropes," Dhaliwal said.

During interrogation, he claimed, it came to light that Irfan was involved in more than 13 cases of attempt to murder, burglary and robbery. He changed tracks from committing petty house thefts and dealing in stolen articles to committing robberies at farm houses.

Irfan used to plan the strategy while Baldev's role was to identify the farm house and conduct the recce for making an entry and escape route after committing robbery.