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The 'vandalisation' of a Christian school in south Delhi earlier this year that had hit headlines was carried out by a bunch of robbers which had been committing thefts at private schools across the city, police said today with the arrest of five members of the gang.
The incident, which was the sixth 'attack' on Christian establishments in the city in three months, had generated a major controversy prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to summon Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi and order a crackdown on those involved in such incidents.
"The gang has carried out at least 30 such robberies at schools in every nook and corner of the city. They used to strike only in the first half of the month knowing that fees are deposited in these days and cash is kept in Principal's room," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Prem Nath.
The accused have been identified as Gaurav alias Deepak alias Guddan (23), Sikandar alias Machhar (21), Dharmender alias Kali (23), Vikas alias Chhotu alias Chikna (21) and Pawan alias Akash (23).
While Dharmender, Vikas and Pawan were arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of south district on May 2, Gaurav and Sikandar who were lodged in jail in a case of snatching were also brought on remand and arrested.
According to police, Sikandar is an expert in breaking locks and can even break a lock with the help of handkerchief.
The incident took place on the intervening night of 12 and 13 February this year at Holy Child Auxilium School in which doors of the room of the Principal and Accountant were broken open and cash Rs 12,500 and a few confiscated cell phones kept in the drawer had been stolen.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to have carried out dozens of robberies in schools. They used to hire an auto and Eeco vehicle by paying extra bucks and roam around Delhi in search of good private school where large cash could be found. In case, school guard challenged them, they used to lock him in the guard room before committing the crime.
"They targeted Private Public Schools where heavy fees collection is expected. They would keep their faces covered to avoid their face being captured in CCTV cameras. Their activities were even at four instances in CCTV cameras installed in four different schools during the last two months," said Prem Nath
In a few cases, they had even damaged CCTV cameras and hard disc. They assume that is crime is committed in school, the resistance will be less in comparison to house burglaries, he said.
Initially, the investigation of the case was carried out by Vasant Vihar Police Station but later on, the investigation was transferred to Special Task Force, South District and Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to give further impetus to the investigation and close monitoring of the case.
