Mumbai police maintain a list of various types of crimes and criminals under different titles, based on the kind of offences they commit.
Mumbai police maintain a list of various types of crimes and criminals under different titles, based on the kind of offences they commit.
On Wednesday police added a new genre to that list - ‘Specialists in looting schools’.
Police have arrested a gang of robbers, that specialised in looting schools. One of the reasons for the gang to target schools could be the frugal security, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rakesh Maria.
Ironically, the gang paid while trying something new. Its members were caught attempting to loot a jewellery shop.
Acting on a tip-off, officers of Crime Branch (Unit 10) lay in wait and arrested the gang.
Those arrested are Murugan Devendra, 28; Rajesh Rampal, 35; Kanda Devendra, 28; Babu Devendra, 23; Pankaj Yadav, 24; and Om Prakash,25. They have been remanded in police custody till October 8. Another member, named Mani, was absconding.
Maria said that the gang would target a school during admission days, as there would be lots of cash. One of the members of the gang, who is well-versed in English, would enter the school and make general enquiries.
“While doing so, he would try and find out where the cash is kept and how much money has been collected. He would then pass the information to other gang members,” Maria said. The gang would barge into the school at night, lift the money and decamp fast.
The gang robbed six schools - four in Mumbai and one each in Nasik and Pune. It also looted a college in Karad area of Satara district. “We appeal to schools and other institutions which have been looted to come forward and get in touch with the police,” Maria said.
“The gang has confessed to have amassed approximately Rs 10 lakh from the six robberies they committed,” said a Crime Branch officer.
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