5 TN natives held, stolen gadgets recovered | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Police on Tuesday night arrested five thieves hailing from Tamil Nadu, busting a network that was ferrying stolen electronic goods from UP to markets in southern states. Electronic gadgets including 65 mobile phones, 15 laptops, 2 tablets, besides two motorcycles were seized from their possession.ADCP North Amol Murkut said during late-night check at Aziznagar crossing, Madiaon police team were tipped that a group of suspects was present near Yadav crossing on IIM Road with stolen goods. On reaching the spot, the accused attempted to flee but were caught after a brief chase. The accused were identified as Karthik Srinivasan (31), Muttu (28), Gopal (27), Hari (30) and Ajay Narayanan (50), all residents of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. Ajay worked as a painter, while others were drivers by profession.ADCP Murkut said the gang was operating in Lucknow and adjoining districts, targeting students living in rented accommodations near schools and colleges. They conducted surveillance during early mornings and evenings, striking when students stepped out briefly for tea or meals. Laptops and mobile phones were their main targets. Once goods were collected, one member of the gang would travel by train or flight to Tamil Nadu, where the stolen electronics were sold in local grey markets, fetching quick profits.Investigations revealed the gang had cases registered against them in Aliganj, Chinhat, Bazarkhala, Vikasnagar, and Bakshi Ka Talab police stations in Lucknow, as well as in Jalaun district. More than a dozen FIRs are linked to their activities. None of the accused have prior criminal record in UP, pointing to the gang’s careful planning in blending into the local population before striking. Murkut said police were now probing wider interstate network that enabled the accused to move stolen property seamlessly between states. Investigators suspect the gang had local handlers in Lucknow and contacts in Tamil Nadu who facilitated sales in informal markets.
