New Delhi: In a dramatic, film-style operation, Delhi Police arrested three members of a notorious auto-lifter gang after a high-risk chase that began in West Delhi and ended in Vivek Vihar, during which the accused repeatedly attempted to ram police vehicles and barricades to escape.
The incident occurred after police received specific intelligence that a stolen white KIA Seltos, earlier reported stolen from the Mukherjee Nagar area on September 2, was moving through East Delhi using fake number plates.
Barricades Rammed, Vehicles Hit
Acting on the tip-off, police teams laid a trap and barricades (kan) at the ITI Underpass in Vivek Vihar. However, instead of stopping, the suspects deliberately rammed the barricades, reversed the SUV at high speed, and hit police vehicles as well as civilian cars, endangering lives.
When fully surrounded, the accused attempted to escape by driving the SUV onto the road divider, but the vehicle got stuck, bringing the chase to an end.
Locked Inside SUV, Windows Smashed
The three accused locked themselves inside the vehicle and refused to surrender. Police were forced to break the SUV’s windows using batons and hammers before pulling the suspects out and arresting them.
Two police personnel sustained injuries during the operation and were taken for medical examination (MLC).
Repeat Offenders With Long Criminal Records
Police identified the arrested accused as:
| Name | Age | Native Place | Criminal History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akhil | 40 | Muzaffarnagar, UP | 27+ cases |
| Mashroor | 56 | Sultanpur, UP | 17 cases |
| Asif | 42 | Meerut, UP | 2 cases |
Investigations revealed that the gang specialised in stealing high-end vehicles such as KIA Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Toyota Fortuner, bypassing advanced electronic locking systems with technical expertise.
Attempt to Murder Case Added
Given the intentional ramming of police personnel and vehicles, the accused have been booked under serious sections including Attempt to Murder, along with charges related to vehicle theft, use of fake number plates, and obstruction of public servants.
The operation was conducted by the Anti-Auto Theft Squad under the supervision of Inspector Mukesh Meena, following nearly 15–20 days of sustained surveillance.
दिल्ली पुलिस @DCPWestDelhi के AATS की टीम ने 3 अंतरराज्यीय वाहन चोरों को किया गिरफ्तार
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) January 16, 2026
तकनीकी सर्वेलेंस की मदद से पुलिस टीम ने चोरों की गाडी की पहचान कर विवेक विहार ITI अंडरपास के पास घेर लिया
घेरे जाने पर अपराधियों ने पुलिस टीम को टक्कर मार दी उन्हें कुचलकर भागने का प्रयास… pic.twitter.com/vQvUMNql0e
What’s Next
Police are now probing:
- The larger inter-state auto theft network
- The buyers and supply chain for stolen luxury vehicles
- The techniques used to override modern vehicle security systems
Local residents initially mistook the chase for a road-rage incident, only realising later that it was a live police operation unfolding before their eyes.
Police Praise
Senior officers praised the team for exceptional courage, restraint, and tactical precision, stating that the operation prevented potential fatalities despite repeated attempts by the accused to escape violently.
