Barabanki Police Arrest Three ATM Thieves Who Learned Crime Techniques from YouTube; Car and Firearm Recovered

Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh):
In a major breakthrough, Barabanki police have arrested three notorious thieves involved in ATM thefts by cutting machines open using gas cutters—a method they reportedly learned through YouTube videos. The accused were apprehended along with sophisticated tools used in the crime, ATM cards, an LPG gas cylinder, a Hyundai Creta car, and an illegal firearm.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rahul Gaur, Mohit Chaudhary, and Raj Kanojia, all residents of the Pura Kalandar police station area in Ayodhya district.

Arrest Made Under Special Anti-Crime Drive

According to police officials, the arrests were made as part of a special district-wide operation launched to curb incidents of theft, robbery, and snatching. Acting on the directions of Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya, police teams intensified surveillance using both manual intelligence and digital data analysis.

A team from Zaidpur police station, led by Station House Officer Santosh Kumar, arrested the accused from the Ahmedpur area.

The case was formally disclosed during a press conference on Monday by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ritesh Kumar Singh.

Loss in Fish Farming Led to Crime

ASP Ritesh Singh revealed that the three accused were close friends who had earlier ventured into fish farming by leasing ponds. However, after suffering heavy financial losses in the business, they decided to earn money through illegal means.

YouTube Turned into a Tool for Crime

During interrogation, the accused admitted that they learned to operate gas cutter machines by watching YouTube videos. They then purchased gas cutters, oxygen cylinders, and other equipment to target ATM machines.

To evade identification, the gang would change the number plates of their Creta car and strike during late-night hours. Using gas cutters, they would break open ATM machines and flee with the cash.

Confession of Three ATM Thefts

Police stated that the accused have confessed to carrying out three ATM thefts in the Sultanpur and Ayodhya districts, cases in which FIRs were already registered. Further investigation is underway to ascertain their complete criminal history and possible involvement in additional incidents.

The arrests have been termed a significant success for Barabanki police in dismantling an organized ATM theft gang operating across districts.