Ranchi: Police have uncovered a major inter-district motorcycle theft syndicate, recovering 22 high-end two-wheelers and arresting 15 members of the gang. The estimated value of the seized vehicles is around ₹30 to ₹35 lakh.
On October 13, acting on a tip-off, a special police team conducted a raid near a closed hotel at T-point along the Ranchi-Tata main road under Namkum police station. The operation was launched under the guidance of SSP Ranchi, with officers from rural and city divisions forming a joint task force.
As police reached the location around 6 PM, several suspects tried to flee on motorcycles but were intercepted and apprehended. During interrogation, six of them confessed they were part of a larger network involved in stealing and selling motorcycles across Ranchi and nearby districts. They admitted to changing number plates and selling the stolen vehicles at throwaway prices in areas like Silli, Muri, and Bokaro.
The six accused arrested on the spot have been identified as Rupesh Kumar Singh alias Sonu Singh alias Chirag (21), Prem Kumar Sais (27), Vinod Kumar Mahato (21), Ronit Kumar (20), Ayush Mahato (19), and Karan Kumar Mahato (25), all residents of Ranchi district or nearby areas. Three motorcycles, including a Pulsar and a TVS Apache, were seized from the scene without valid documents.
Further interrogation led police to conduct raids at multiple locations, resulting in the recovery of 22 motorcycles. Many were found to be linked with 19 FIRs registered across Namkum, Pandra (Sukhdeonagar), Chutia, Tatisilwai, Ratu, Bariatu, and Angara police stations. Cases ranged from recently stolen to months-old thefts.
Gang members revealed that their network consists of 20 or more individuals operating in smaller groups. They used to conduct reconnaissance in crowded markets and steal bikes based on customer demand. In many instances, stolen vehicles were hidden for days before being sold. The profits were shared among gang members and often spent on clothing, gadgets, or substance abuse.
Among those arrested, four have existing criminal records: Rupesh Kumar Singh, Vinod Kumar Mahato, Manoj Oraon, and Badal Singh Munda. Police have also identified known buyers of stolen bikes, including individuals from Bokaro, Muri, and surrounding regions.
Authorities are continuing raids to nab remaining gang members and identify more stolen bikes. Investigations are ongoing to link recovered vehicles with registered cases across other districts. Police have urged citizens to report suspicious activities and ensure proper documentation of vehicle purchases.