📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / J. P. Warburton (Ludhiana Police superintendent)
Crime
Ludhiana Police Bust Auto‑Rickshaw Passenger Theft Gang, Two Arrested
✍️ Amar Ujala · Ludhiana
🗓 02 Oct 2026, 10:32 PM
👁 6
Ludhiana police have dismantled a gang that was stealing from auto‑rickshaw passengers and have taken two suspects into custody.
Ludhiana police announced on Tuesday that a coordinated raid led to the bust of a criminal gang that targeted passengers of auto‑rickshaws across the city. The operation, carried out by the city’s crime branch, focused on a known hotspot near the main market area where several complaints had been lodged.
According to officials, the gang members would approach passengers, distract them with false promises or minor altercations, and then pocket cash, mobile phones or other valuables. Over the past few weeks the group was reported to have stolen from dozens of commuters, prompting a dedicated investigation.
The police succeeded in apprehending two alleged members during the raid. Both suspects were taken to the Ludhiana police station for questioning and are being held under the Punjab Police Act. Investigators said further inquiries will identify additional accomplices, and the seized items will be returned to the victims where possible.
According to officials, the gang members would approach passengers, distract them with false promises or minor altercations, and then pocket cash, mobile phones or other valuables. Over the past few weeks the group was reported to have stolen from dozens of commuters, prompting a dedicated investigation.
The police succeeded in apprehending two alleged members during the raid. Both suspects were taken to the Ludhiana police station for questioning and are being held under the Punjab Police Act. Investigators said further inquiries will identify additional accomplices, and the seized items will be returned to the victims where possible.