‘Galaghotu gang’ member arrested after encounter

A member of the “Galaghotu gang” — known for attacking victims by strangling them before robbery — was arrested after a brief encounter near Badarpur Flyover Park on Saturday night, the police said.

The accused, Himanshu (23), was shot in the leg during an exchange of fire and later taken to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment. The police recovered a .32 bore pistol and cartridges from his possession.

According to officials, Himanshu was wanted in a recent case in which he and an associate allegedly robbed a food delivery executive in the Pul Prahladpur area on Wednesday. CCTV footage of the incident showed the duo choking the victim, snatching his belongings and fleeing on a two-wheeler. The video had gone viral on social media, prompting a swift police action.

Investigations revealed that Himanshu has a criminal record, with previous cases of kidnapping and robbery registered against him.

The police said he was part of a gang that typically operated in pairs, targeting people in isolated stretches by grabbing them from behind and choking them to unconsciousness before fleeing with valuables.

The Delhi Police Commissioner took note of the incident and ordered scrutiny of the local police station’s handling of the earlier robbery case. The police said efforts were underway to trace Himanshu’s accomplice.

Gang’s modus operandi

The “Galaghotu gang,” literally meaning “chokehold gang”, is known for its violent street crimes in Delhi. Members of the gang usually move on motorcycles, targeting lone pedestrians, delivery workers and commuters at night.

They attack victims by strangling them with their arms or scarves, often rendering them unconscious before snatching cash, phones or vehicles. The police believe several recent robberies in Pul Prahladpur, Badarpur and Okhla areas may be linked to the gang.