To destroy evidences, 'fire gang' set houses on fire; kingpin arrested

New Delhi: "Fire Gang", it is not only a name but also a gang who were proactive in burning the houses where they used to commit theft. South Delhi Police was able to nab the main kingpin of the gang from Laxmibai Nagar in South Delhi.

Police sources said the accused identified as Sanju, a resident of Bhadana in Haryana, was involved in more than 40 cases of arms act, burglary, theft and arms act. From the accused, they have recovered country-made pistol and live cartridges. During winters at night, burglaries increase for which police have intensified patrolling, some places have also been identified and during one such patrolling, the team of Sarojini Nagar police station on the intervening night of December 18-19 got an information about the leader of the 'fire gang' Sanju. A team led by inspector Ritu Raj (SHO) Sarojini Nagar with ATO, Pradeep Rawat conducted a raid and nabbed the accused.

Sources further said that during the interrogation it came to light that the gang has been active from 2008 and they have committed several burglaries and theft in the area of Sarojini Nagar, RK Puram, and Moti Bagh.''After committing the crime, the accused used to set the house on fire so that police cannot get any evidence about them,'' added police sources.

The accused Sanju was addicted to drugs and after taking smack he used to commit the crime. The accused used to stay on the pavements along with beggars to avoid arrest and never share his hideouts with his associates.

"He used to call himself fire boy," said sources. The accused also kept red chili powder with them so that they can escape by throwing on the eyes police party.