Balloon seller pickpocketing gang from Haryana busted; 5 held

Lucknow: Police on Tuesday busted a family-run pickpocketing gang and arrested five people originally from Haryana’s notorious Palwal region, who allegedly came to the city, rented accommodation, conducted recce of crowded routes, and systematically targeted women commuters while posing as balloon sellers.

The gang, comprising two couples and another woman, was arrested by the Madiaon police near Naubasta following a tip-off. Police also recovered a gold-coloured necklace, two chains, two mangalsutras, a maang tikka, a ring, a pair of earrings and ₹29,400 in cash from the group.

ADCP, North Zone, Twinkle Jain, who led the investigation said that the gang used the cover of balloon-selling to move freely around intersections, markets and transport hubs without attracting attention. “They appeared like ordinary roadside vendors and labourers, which made it difficult for victims or bystanders to suspect them,” she said.

“Accused first carried out detailed surveillance of busy e-rickshaw and shared-tempo routes frequented by women passengers carrying handbags and jewellery. After identifying vulnerable routes and crowded timings, the gang members would board public transport alongside commuters and quietly steal chains, mangalsutras, rings and cash during the journey before slipping away unnoticed,” she said.

The gang rented a room near Malhaur railway station in Chinhat to operate from Lucknow and frequently travel to Palwal, Jain added.