4 members of ‘Thak Thak’ gang nabbed

Noida: Four members of the ‘Thak Thak' gang, also known as the ‘Zaalim' gang, were arrested on Monday. One suspect was injured after initiating a gunfight with the police in an attempt to evade arrest, officials said on Tuesday.
The accused — Ejaz (36), Asim alias Hasim alias Laddan (24), Umardaraj (35), and Khurram (34) — are all residents of Meerut.
According to ADCP Manish Kumar Mishra, the accused were nabbed during routine checks near Jaipuria Square in Sector 62, when Ejaz and Khurram approached on a bike .
"Noticing their suspicious behaviour, officers signalled for them to stop, but Ejaz opened fire. In the ensuing gunfight, Ejaz was injured," Mishra said.
Asim and Umardaraj were later apprehended near Espam Square, based on information provided by Ejaz and Khurram.
The police recovered six stolen mobile phones, an illegal pistol with live and empty cartridges, a knife, and the motorcycle used by the suspects.
"One of the recovered phones had been reported stolen on Sept 17 from Sector 60," a police official said.
Three other suspected gang members were arrested after a gunfight with the police on Aug 30, allegedly for breaking into parked cars to steal valuables.
Explaining the gang's modus operandi, Mishra said they distract commuters by knocking on car windows and diverting their attention before stealing valuables. The gang is believed to operate in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Bareilly, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and nearby districts.
"The gang targets areas with slow-moving traffic. While some members engage the driver in conversation, others break into the car from the opposite side to steal mobile phones and other valuables," the ADCP said. The stolen goods are then sold for around Rs 2,000 per phone, he added.
An FIR has been registered against the four accused under BNS Section 303(2) (punishment for theft).