Bhopal: A gang of conmen targeting motorists through distraction tactics appears to have resurfaced in Bhopal, with police investigating a series of similar thefts reported across the city over the past week. Cops believe the gang is using the same modus operandi that made headlines nearly nine years ago.The latest incident was reported near Gautam Nagar police station on Friday, where a fraudster allegedly distracted a car driver by claiming that currency notes had fallen on the road and stole a school teacher’s handbag containing cash and important documents from the parked vehicle. Similar thefts involving smashed car windows were reported in Shahpura, Shahjahanabad and Bairagarh, prompting police to suspect the involvement of an organised gang.The suspected return of the gang has revived memories of one of Bhopal’s biggest distraction thefts. On July 20, 2017, a gang allegedly escaped with Rs 43 lakh from an ATM cash replenishment van parked near a nationalised bank ATM in MP Nagar Zone-II. CCTV footage showed the accused dropping currency notes on the road to divert the attention of the cash van driver and armed guard before opening the vehicle and fleeing with the cash trunk.That incident was the third such offence reported within 10 days in Bhopal. Police had then suspected the involvement of a South India-based gang, often referred to as the “Anna” or “Madrasi” gang. Similar distraction thefts were also reported in Indore, suggesting the gang was operating across major cities in Madhya Pradesh.Police said the latest cases bear striking similarities to the earlier incidents. In one method, gang members allegedly throw Rs 10 or Rs 20 notes near parked vehicles or falsely alert motorists about oil leaks, flat tyres or other mechanical issues. As drivers step out or look away, accomplices steal bags, cash and other valuables. In other cases, the gang targets unattended vehicles by smashing windowpanes and taking away valuables left inside.With multiple incidents reported in quick succession, police are examining CCTV footage from various locations to determine whether the same gang is behind the recent thefts. DCP (Zone-3) Ayush Gupta said police have received reports of similar thefts from Gautam Nagar, Shahjahanabad and Bairagarh and are analysing footage from all locations.“We are carrying out technical analysis and investigating all possible leads. Such gangs typically strike at multiple locations across the city in a short span,” Gupta said.He added that an alert has been issued through the police control room to all police stations, asking personnel to remain vigilant in busy markets, commercial hubs and other vulnerable areas. Motorists have also been advised not to leave valuables inside parked vehicles and to be cautious of strangers attempting to divert their attention.
