Four held for series of robberies on NH-8

New Delhi: Delhi Police on Sunday said they have arrested four highway robbers, involved in more than 30 criminal cases, from Haiderpur area of north west Delhi.

The accused were identified as Rahul Kumar (24), Birender Pratap (25), Kamlesh Kumar (28) and Tinku (20).

According to police, more than seven robberies were reported on National Highway-8 near Dhaula Kuan, where victims were robbed in a similar manner and cases were registered at Delhi Cantt police station. Robberies with a similar modus operandi were also reported from Kapashera, Vasant Kunj South, Airport, and Dwarka.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Milind Dumbere stated that on Saturday, Pratap, Kamlesh and Tinku were arrested from Haiderpur.

During interrogation, they revealed Rahul's location,who was also arrested later.

"The accused confessed to their involvement in a series of highway robberies at Mahipalpur, Kapashera, Delhi Cantt and Dhaula Kuan and NH-8. They used to drive cabs on various routes of Delhi-Gurugram and especially Gurugram to Dhaula Kuan," said the DCP.

Revealing the modus operandi, he said that the accused used to spot commuters at NH-8.

The accused observed that there were not enough means of public transport at night, and commuters often took lifts in shared cabs to save some money. "Being alone at night, the accused found them as a weak target for robbery. So, they formed a gang and for several months, looted commuters," said Dumbere.

Police also claimed that the accused would assemble at Haiderpur around 9 pm, and one of them would bring the vehicle, while all of them would switch off their cellphones.

They would then choose targets waiting alone at Kapashera Border, Mahipalpur or at Dhaula Kuan.

"They would give the victim a lift and make him sit between two of their partner in the rear seat. After reaching near a dark stretch, they would loot the victim on gunpoint and then throw him out in the dark stretch," said the DCP.