New Delhi: In a major crackdown on vehicle theft, the Delhi Police have arrested two men for allegedly running an auto-lifting gang that hired a 14-year-old minor to steal motorcycles in exchange for money. The arrests were made in connection with multiple motorcycle theft cases reported from the Signature Bridge area, officials said on Friday.
The accused, Zunaid and Suhail, both aged 22 and residents of Mustafabad, were nabbed following the apprehension of the minor near Timarpur. The boy, a Class 8 dropout, was allegedly lured with ₹2,000 per vehicle to commit thefts using a master key provided by the duo.
“During interrogation, the juvenile confessed to stealing at least two motorcycles on the instructions of Zunaid and Suhail,” a senior police official said.
The North Delhi Police launched an investigation after two FIRs were filed on July 12 and July 18 regarding stolen motorcycles. Analysis of over 150 CCTV footage clips identified the same boy committing the crime near a local park.
Acting on a tip-off, police laid a trap on July 19 near Signature Bridge and apprehended the juvenile. Upon questioning, he led the team to the gang leaders hiding in the Yamuna Khadar area. A total of four stolen vehicles—three motorcycles and one scooter—were recovered from bushes along with a master key.
Further investigation revealed that Zunaid was employed at a water plant and also worked as a parking attendant, while Suhail drove an e-rickshaw. Both were school dropouts and had a history of substance abuse. Frustrated by their low income, they allegedly turned to vehicle theft as a source of fast cash.
The accused have confessed to stealing multiple two-wheelers over the past six months and were in the process of finding buyers for the stolen vehicles.
