Mumbai Gang's 'Dhakka' Method: Mobile Theft by Numbers

A highly organized 'Dhakka Gang' of seven individuals was arrested by MIDC police for their elaborate mobile phone theft operation. The gang specialized in targeting commuters on crowded BEST buses along the Andheri-SEEPZ and Andheri-Ghatkopar routes. Each member was assigned a specific role and nickname, enabling them to steal high-value smartphones efficiently. Roles included the 'machine' to deftly lift phones, a 'chapper denawala' to shield the act, a 'charmer,' and a 'boor' to quickly remove the loot. Other members acted as 'thekhdaar' to surround the victim.

The gang operated with a strict territorial understanding, confining their activities to Andheri East to avoid conflicts with other criminal groups. In the preceding month and a half, they were alleged to have stolen at least 135 premium smartphones, aiming for a total of 1,000 devices. These stolen phones were intended to be refurbished and sent to Bangladesh and Nepal, where they would be sold for approximately half their market value, complicating traceability.

The breakthrough in the case came after an undercover informant infiltrated the gang. Following this, police laid a trap at Juinagar railway station, where the gang had temporarily relocated its operations. The arrests on July 30 led to the recovery of 135 stolen mobile phones valued at Rs 12.7 lakh. Investigations revealed the gang communicated daily via WhatsApp calls to plan their targets and rendezvous.