MOHALI, Sept. 29 — Police in Mohali have arrested six men in two separate operations targeting gangs linked to motorcycle thefts and mobile snatching incidents across the city. Officers said a total of 18 stolen motorcycles and 20 mobile phones were recovered.
Three men accused of lifting motorcycles from different parts of the city were caught following a naka (checkpoint) operation earlier this month. Police identified them as Ajay of Raipur, Mohali; Sandeep of Kalitra, Nangal; and Waqar alias Salman of Raipur.
DSP City-1 Prithvi Singh Chauhan said the case began on September 12 when Harmanpreet Singh of Tyood village lodged a complaint that his Splendor motorcycle was stolen outside a gurdwara in Phase 5. “As more complaints of motorcycle thefts surfaced, a special investigation team was constituted,” he said.
Ajay was first detained with a stolen motorcycle, and during interrogation, disclosed the names of his associates. Acting on his lead, police arrested Sandeep and Waqar. From Ajay, eight stolen bikes were recovered, while five each were seized from Sandeep and Waqar, bringing the total to 18.
Chauhan added that the accused admitted to handing over some motorcycles to other gang members, and more recoveries are expected. Officials confirmed Ajay has a prior record of theft. All three have been remanded to police custody.
In a separate crackdown, police arrested three others involved in a spate of snatching incidents. The accused were identified as Sahil Kumar and Vikas Kumar, both from Badmajra, and Mohammad Monis of Balongi. A motorcycle used in the crimes was also seized.
The arrests followed a September 21 complaint by Israr, a fruit seller from Mohali village, who reported his phone was snatched by two men on a motorcycle. “As similar complaints poured in, a team was tasked to track down the gang,” Chauhan said.
Later that day, police detained Sahil and Vikas at a checkpoint. On questioning, they admitted their involvement and named Monis, who was arrested soon after. Police recovered seven mobile phones from Sahil, ten from Vikas, and three from Monis.
Investigators said the trio confessed to selling the phones for ₹1,500–₹1,800 each to associates who resold them at higher rates. They admitted the crimes were committed to fund their drug habit. Police noted that all three have previous cases against them related to drugs and altercations.
All six accused are currently on police remand while further investigations are underway.
