A man allegedly used his two sons, aged 13 and 15, to pickpocket foreign tourists in the Jama Masjid market in Delhi, while keeping the stolen goods in his possession to avoid suspicion. The accused used to position his children in crowded markets to identify and discreetly remove cash and valuables from bags of foreign tourists and shoppers, according to a PTI report.
The stolen property would then be handed over to the father, who retained possession to protect the minors while distancing himself from the thefts, police said.
How Were The Trio Caught?
“The case came to light after an e-FIR was registered at Jama Masjid police station on January 15 on the complaint of a citizen of Uzbekistan, who had come to India for his minor daughter’s cancer surgery in Gurugram,” the officer said.
According to the complainant, he was carrying USD 7,200 in a sling bag during a visit to the Jama Masjid market with his family for sightseeing and shopping. The cash was stolen amid the crowd.
“A team was formed which analysed CCTV footage from multiple cameras installed in and around the market. Two juveniles — siblings aged 13 and 15 years, residents of New Seelampur — were identified and apprehended,” the officer said.
During the investigation, police found that they were acting at the behest of their father, who was later arrested.
What All Was Recovered?
Police said USD 2,500 and the complainant’s ATM card were recovered from the accused father, while USD 4,000 was recovered from his residence. A mobile phone purchased for Rs 48,000, allegedly from the stolen money, and Rs 4,700 were also seized. The total recovery amounts to USD 7,082.
“Verification of records revealed that the father was previously involved in a robbery case in 2013. The juveniles were also found to be involved in earlier theft cases,” the officer added.
