New Delhi: In a swift operation, the Lajpat Nagar Police apprehended two individuals involved in a theft incident that occurred on the night of March 20-21, 2026. The incident was reported by Vijay Mandal, an auto driver, who was approached by a young man seeking a ride to Lajpat Nagar. After paying with a ₹500 note, the suspect asked Mandal to wait while he arranged for change. During this time, the suspect returned with two accomplices, who distracted Mandal while one of them stole his mobile phone from the auto-rickshaw.
With the help of bystanders, Mandal and his friend Rajender managed to apprehend two of the suspects, prompting a call to the police. ASI Manoj and his team arrived at the scene near the Bus Stand at Kasturba Niketan, where they recorded Mandal’s statement and registered a case under FIR No. 113/26.
A dedicated team, led by ASI Manoj Malik and supported by Constables Lalit and Dhanpat, worked diligently to track down the suspects. During interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement in the theft and revealed their modus operandi of targeting victims at night by creating distractions. One of the suspects, Kunal, admitted to being involved in over 12 previous cases of theft and snatching.
The police recovered a total of five stolen mobile phones, including one directly linked to the current case and four others associated with prior incidents. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to trace a third accomplice involved in the crime.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sombir Yadav, 30, with no prior criminal record, and Kunal, 26, who has a history of theft and snatching offenses.
