TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Rs 10-note gang has struck Panjim once again and hoodwinked a car driver after they stole Rs 6,000 cash and other documents from the vehicle parked near KTC bus stand in Panjim.
The incident has shocked the local police as the gang hits the State during peak tourist season or festive time. Police have once again urged people to be vigilant at the dreaded gang’s modus operandi even as they are patrolling the city to thwart such incidents.
“Police are doing their job but the general public should also be alert knowing the gang members are professionals. They are a well-organised criminal gang comprising several members spread across many places,” PI Rajendra Prabhudesai said.
In the latest incident, Umesh Desai of Taleigao complained that an unknown person diverted his attention by showing a Rs 10 note outside his car claiming it was his (complainant), on Wednesday evening. When he alighted from the car and bent to pick up the note, the accused fled with a black laptop bag containing Rs 6,000 cash, two ATM cards and some valuable office documents.
The PI said they have increased police presence including Patto Plaza, 18th June Road and other places. Police also carried out naka-bandi and search operations on Thursday.
This gang had duped several people in the last two-to-three years using the same modus operandi. Around eight gang members arrested during this period have reportedly been bailed out and as such, police do not rule out the possibility of their involvement in the recent incident at KTC bus stand.
The only major breakthrough was in February 2013 when two of the five notorious thieves including a juvenile boy landed in the police net as they attempted to escape with belongings and cash stolen from three cars in the capital city. Police say the gangs usually hail from Tamil Nadu or Kerala and have no criminal cases registered against them in their native places.
“Once identified, we send their profile to our counterparts, who revert saying these people have no criminal record. According to our investigation, such gang members operate only outside their states so that they are not traced easily,” said an officer. Most of these gang members still remain unidentified. With the gang striking during off-season as well, the police are on their toes and have warned people to be cautious.
