Earlier, vehicle thieves would go to Sotiganj near Meerut to dismantle vehicles. But it would take much longer... Read More

NEW DELHI: A vehicle dismantling factory at Jamia Nagar was busted during a raid on Thursday. Those running it could dismantle a bike within an hour and a car in three hours. It was being operated by a gang of thieves who would lift vehicles from south Delhi colonies at night, drive them to the factory, and dismantle them. So, by the time an owner realised his ride had been stolen , it would already be broken down to pieces.

Earlier, vehicle thieves would go to Sotiganj near Meerut to dismantle vehicles. But it would take much longer there. This factory was offering a quicker alternative.

“Mohd Shahzad and Shadab were caught at a police picket near Joga Bai Extention while Mohd Saddam Hussain and Mohd Sameer were caught riding a scooter without helmets. It was found that the scooter was stolen from a colony nearby,” said DCP (southeast) Chinmoy Biswal.

They were found to be involved in 44 vehicle thefts in south Delhi. The men led police to their factory where the police recovered nine scooters intact and parts of 25 others that were dismantled. The factory had welding machines and lathe cutting machines. The owner, Ismail, a Batla House resident, ran his unit on a 100-yard plot as a vehicle repair shop.

During interrogation, they all told the police that after stealing a vehicle they would hand it over to Ismail. It was found that Ismail had taken the plot on a monthly rent of Rs 5,000.

The dismantled parts would be sold to scrap dealers or mechanics at market rates and the proceeds distributed equally.

Police said Saddam used to work as a parking attendant in Nehru Place along with his father. There he learnt ways to unlock and start a vehicle using a master key. He roped in Shahzad, who was fond of riding bikes, and Sameer who was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Sameer later brought in Shahdab to assist him.

All of them are residents of Abul Fazl Enclave and recce colonies on bike.

