RAIPUR: A physically challenged youth and his aide were arrested by Raipur crime branch on Thursday in connection with a series of theft cases.

Police have seized ornaments worth Rs 5 lakh from their possession. Crime branch DSP Archana Jha said police acted on a tip off when accused Rehmat Khan, Gendlal Kaushal and Chilu Marathi were looking for buyers at Telghani Naka area to sell stolen ornaments.

Rehmat (28), who doesn’t have both hands, ganged up with other two for stealing ornaments from temples and isolated homes. Jha said that the duo confessed to committing thefts at 13 places in city, mainly in Gudiyari region. Apparently, Rehmat lost his hands 10 years ago after he got an electric shock. While he tried to find jobs, his disability became a deterrent. His first theft was committed in a district court where he put a ladder to climb the wall and made his way through the blinds to steal a pistol. He was imprisoned for this crime for three years.

Cops said he can dial numbers on a phone, pick up things from the floor and do all other day to day activities without any hassle. Initially his thefts were a solo act but eventually he found partners in crime in his old friends. “Rehmat was actively involved in the thefts with this accomplices. He was not limited owing to his handicap which is what makes the thefts interesting and unique,” an official said.

“The gang mainly focuses on theft of ornaments. Accused Rehmat has served three years in jail already for theft,” Jha said.

