Hyderabad: The Afzalgunj police have successfully arrested a three-member gang involved in stealing valuables from passengers inside auto rickshaws. The accused have been identified as Syed Ghayaz Hashmi, an auto driver; Syed Abdul Hassan, popularly known as Kala Jamun, who works in paintwork; and Md Waseem, another auto driver. The police also seized the vehicle used in the crimes, although the main suspect, Zubair Lala, remains at large.
The arrests followed a complaint filed on Wednesday by P Dayanand, a retired employee, who fell victim to the gang’s modus operandi. According to the victim, he was waiting for an RTC bus at the 2J bus stop in Afzalgunj when he boarded an auto rickshaw. He noticed three men already seated in the vehicle’s rear. After sitting at the corner, the accused deliberately caused disturbance, falsely asking him to sit properly. A short distance later, near the Dental College, the driver halted the vehicle claiming a mechanical issue. As Dayanand alighted, he discovered that Rs 1500 had been stolen from his pocket.
Following the complaint, the Afzalgunj police registered a case and launched an immediate investigation. The crime team reviewed CCTV footage and conducted local inquiries, which led to the swift arrest of the suspects. G Chandra Mohan, DCP of Golconda Zone, explained the gang’s modus operandi, stating that they typically operate in passenger auto rickshaws with one person driving and three others seated behind to target vulnerable passengers—particularly middle-aged or elderly individuals. Once a victim boards, the gang creates an environment of discomfort and distraction to facilitate theft. After executing the crime, they abandon the victim with the excuse of a vehicle breakdown, often leaving them stranded.
The police are actively working to locate the absconding member, Zubair Lala, and are also in the process of recovering more stolen valuables. Authorities have urged commuters to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to prevent further incidents. The crackdown aims to curb such crimes in the area and ensure passenger safety in Hyderabad’s busy auto-rickshaw routes.