Bilaspur Police Arrest Inter-State Thief, Recover Gold Worth ₹4.99 Lakh

The Bilaspur police crackdown on an inter-state gang led to the arrest of a key accused and recovery of melted gold worth ₹4.99 lakh after a 20-day operation in Delhi and Meerut.

Serial thefts in apartments

In a breakthrough in a series of apartment thefts, police in Bilaspur have arrested a member of an inter-state gang allegedly involved in multiple burglaries across several states. The accused was linked to a string of thefts reported from four residential complexes in the city late last year.

The case had been under investigation since September 28, 2025, when burglaries were reported from Saket Apartment and Real Heaven Apartment under the Civil Lines police station limits. The incidents had raised concern among residents, as the accused appeared to be operating with precision and planning.

20-day hunt in Meerut

According to officials, the accused, identified as Taj Mohammad, was arrested on April 24 following a prolonged search operation. Police teams had travelled multiple times to Delhi and Meerut but failed to nab him initially, as he kept changing locations and mobile numbers.

This time, however, the team camped in Meerut for nearly 20 days. Acting on a tip-off, they managed to track and apprehend him in the early hours of the morning. “The accused had been evading arrest for weeks by frequently shifting hideouts,” an officer familiar with the operation said.

Gold melted to erase identity

During interrogation, investigators found that the gang had a distinct method of disposing of stolen valuables. The accused would melt gold jewellery using improvised setups to alter its appearance and erase identifiable features.

Police recovered approximately 35.34 grams of melted gold from the accused, estimated to be worth ₹4.99 lakh. Officials said the recovery is likely linked to the Bilaspur theft cases, though further verification is underway.

How the gang operated

Preliminary findings suggest that Taj Mohammad and his associate would first conduct reconnaissance in targeted areas. They reportedly spent a couple of days surveying apartment complexes, identifying flats that appeared unoccupied or less secure.

Once a target was finalised, the accused would break locks and carry out thefts, mostly during hours when the buildings were relatively deserted. In at least one instance, suspicion from local residents forced them to flee midway, police said.

Second accused in Delhi jail

Police confirmed that another member of the gang, identified as Wasim Mohammad, is currently lodged in a Delhi jail in connection with a separate case. Authorities said efforts are underway to bring him to Bilaspur on transit remand for questioning.

“Further interrogation of the arrested accused may lead to additional recoveries,” officials noted, adding that the investigation remains active.

CCTV, technical clues key

The case was taken up with priority after the thefts drew public attention. A special team comprising Civil Lines police and the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit was formed under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh.

Investigators analysed footage from over 300 CCTV cameras across the city and relied on technical surveillance to piece together the accused’s movements. This eventually led them to Meerut, where his identity and location were confirmed.

Wider criminal network

Police said the accused is believed to be part of a larger network operating across multiple states. Records indicate that he is named in over 47 cases of theft and robbery in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Chhattisgarh.

Officials described him as a habitual offender who would resume criminal activity after securing bail or release from custody. Efforts are now on to identify and trace other members of the gang.

Investigation continues

Authorities said more recoveries could follow as the probe deepens. They are also examining possible links to unsolved theft cases in other cities.

The Bilaspur police action, officials added, is part of a broader effort to crack down on inter-state property crime networks that target urban residential clusters.