The operation was carried out around 2 a.m. between Tuesday and Wednesday, when nearly 400 police personnel launched a combing patrol across the city. The targeted raid was conducted at an Irani camp identified as a key base of operations for the gang.
Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, briefing the media on Wednesday, said 31 men and eight women were taken into custody during the raid. “The action was part of a broader strategy to dismantle organised criminal networks operating in and beyond Bhopal,” he said.
From the hideout, officers recovered 644.56 grams of gold jewellery valued at approximately ₹1 crore and 240 grams of silver ornaments. They also seized 39 mobile phones worth around ₹8 lakh, ₹1.35 lakh in cash, 1.7 kilograms of cannabis, and 17 two-wheelers believed to have been used in criminal activities.
The crackdown was part of a wider citywide operation. In total, police arrested 408 individuals, including 283 with standing warrants and 125 against whom fresh arrest warrants had been issued. According to officials, those detained were wanted in cases involving theft, burglary, chain snatching and vehicle theft.
Investigators said the gang, allegedly led by Raju Irani—previously arrested in Surat, Gujarat—has been active across at least six states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Members are accused of operating in small groups and employing varied methods to evade detection while committing property-related crimes.
Police sources indicated that surveillance and intelligence inputs over recent weeks helped pinpoint the camp and coordinate simultaneous action to prevent suspects from escaping. The large deployment was aimed at ensuring swift control of the area and avoiding resistance.
This is not the first action against the group. On December 31, 2025, Bhopal Police raided a location in Aman Colony linked to the same network, recovering stolen property and illegal weapons.
Officials said further investigation is underway to trace interstate links and identify additional accomplices. Authorities maintained that sustained enforcement drives would continue to curb organised crime in the city and neighbouring states.
