Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh:
In a dramatic police operation, Bhopal authorities arrested 34 members of the notorious Raju Irani gang, including 24 men and 10 women, after a violent clash erupted at the Irani Dera in the city. The gang, which operates across 12 Indian states, is known for executing heists and frauds by impersonating officials, in a manner reminiscent of the Bollywood film Special 26.
Raju Irani: The Man Behind the Millions
Raju Irani, the leader of the Dera, is reported to be worth billions and maintains a high-profile lifestyle, while most residents of the Dera, including their children, remain outside formal education. The gang carries out crimes such as theft, robbery, and fraud, often travelling long distances with luxury vehicles to commit offenses before returning to the Dera. Police have seized several expensive motorcycles during the operation.
Family and Network Links Across States
Many gang members are related by blood, with familial connections in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, which strengthens their network in these regions. This network has allowed the gang to carry out operations in Delhi, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh with relative impunity.
Previous Incidents and Violence
The gang has a history of violent clashes. In 2014, a conflict between Shia and Sunni members of the Irani community in Aman Colony escalated into stone-pelting and firing, resulting in dozens of injuries and damage to nearly 39 houses. In July 2025, two gang members, Murtaza Ali and Siraj Ali, were injured in a police encounter in Delhi after being linked to multiple cases of attempted murder, robbery, and theft across several states.
In 2020, four gang members impersonated CBI officers during a raid on a jeweller in Sagar district, stealing valuables at gunpoint. Investigations later confirmed their links to the Bhopal Irani Dera and Raju Irani’s criminal network.
Recent Mobile Phone Theft Operation
Earlier, on December 20, 2025, two bikers from the Dera snatched a mobile phone from a veterinary doctor near Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Habibganj. During the chase, they collided with another vehicle and were caught by bystanders. Interrogation revealed that stolen phones were sent to Mumbai and then smuggled to Dubai.
Arrests Made in Latest Operation
The police arrested the following gang members during the recent crackdown:
Tannu Sakina Nawbahar, Kubra Nurjahan Afsara, Yasim Fatima Salma, Haseeb Ali, Marina Sabir, Ali Zishan Khan Rizwan, Mohammad Shadik Ali Ishan, Shadik Hussain, Zafar Ali, Ali Aziz Syed Mism, Ali Abid Ali Arvaaz, Khan Taufiq Hussain, Mohammad Ali Rakeeb Khan Haider, Jafri Hazrat Ali Vani, Hasan Sabir Ali Zubair, Ali Ali Raza Talib (alias Gay Ali), Salman Khan.
Authorities confirmed that further investigations are underway to dismantle the gang’s operations and bring all involved to justice.
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