Gods Pick Pockets: Bohurupi Gang Busted in Kolkata

Four individuals posing as Bohurupis, practitioners of a traditional folk art form from West Bengal, have been arrested in Kolkata for pickpocketing. These performers, who typically dress as mythological figures like Kali and Shiva, were operating in Jorasanko. The arrested men are residents of Gujarat's Anand district and are described by police as habitual offenders.

Bohurupi art, which involves enacting mythological sequences, is a dying folk tradition. The perpetrators reportedly exploited the public's fondness for these performances to commit their crimes, with a particular focus on stealing cell phones. This scheme was uncovered following an investigation triggered by a recent case lodged in Jorasanko and a separate individual caught in the Park Street area.

Authorities have indicated that this pickpocketing racket may have a presence beyond Kolkata. Further investigations are currently underway to determine the full extent of their operations and any potential wider network. The police are continuing their efforts to address this unusual criminal activity.