12 pickpockets target devotees during Nagar Kirtan, nabbed

A gang of 12 women belonging to Barnala, Patiala, Sangrur and Malerkotla targeted several people, who took part in the Nagar Kirtan organised to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and stole cash and valuables from their pockets.

Acting on the complaint, the Machhiwara police had registered a case and during investigation, they identified women thieves and then arrested them. The police also reportedly recovered stolen cash and valuables from the suspects.

Complainant Tejwinder Singh, alias DC, a resident of Rajgarh village, in a complaint to the police stated that when the Nagar Kirtan was passing near Machhiwara Sahib mandi, he, along with arhtiyas, was taking part in the event. When he returned with prasad, his wallet was stolen from a pocket of his kurta which contained his Aadhar card, PAN card, driving licence, weapon licence deposit slip and Rs 16,000 in cash.

He added that when he raised the alarm, a woman, Bhinder Kaur, a resident of Sundar Nagar, Machhiwara Sahib, said a gold bangle had also been stolen from her hand. Another person, who took part in Nagar Kirtan, Shashi Bhushan Bhatia, said his purse had also been stolen, which contained his Aadhaar card, driving licence, credit card and Rs 11,000. After the pickpocketing incidents, a complaint was lodged at the Machhiwara police station.

The nabbed women were identified as Seema Rani, a resident of Dher Majra village, Patiala; Amarjit Kaur, a resident of Jolia village; Bimala Kaur; Manjinder Kaur of Basti Ram Nagar, Sangrur; Lovepreet Kaur; Mukhtiaro, alias Hoshiar, alias Seeto, a resident of Samundgarh Channa, Sangrur; Rekha, alias Paramjit, a resident of Maji village, Sangrur; Kailo, a resident of Handiyaya, Barnala; Preeto, alias Beero, a resident of Indira Basti, Sunam; Sarbo, alias Moni, alias Soni, a resident of Barnala; Krishna, a resident of Shermajra village, Patiala; and Jarnail Kaur of Bagrian, Amargarh.

SHO, Machiwara, inspector Harwinder Singh said after receiving a complaint, the police launched a probe and arrested the suspects. They had enter the procession for pickpocketing. Now, with the arrest of the women, the police have achieved a major success.