Danced, dined, and disappeared with lakhs: How 'Band Baaja Baarat' gang looted guests at Delhi weddings

Delhi Police have busted a gang that targeted high-profile weddings in the capital and its suburbs, stealing cash and jewellery from venues. Four members, including a juvenile, have been caught, solving three cases of wedding thefts in Shastri Park, Swaroop Nagar, and GTB Enclave, officials said on Thursday.

How did the gang operate?

According to PTI, the gang, based in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, would gatecrash weddings dressed in festive attire, blending in with guests. "They would pretend to be invitees, enjoy the event, have dinner, and wait for the perfect moment to strike," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Apoorva Gupta told PTI.

When the opportunity arose, they would steal bags containing gifts, cash, and jewellery meant for the bride and groom before slipping away unnoticed, she added.

Police investigation and arrests

After multiple thefts were reported across Delhi-NCR, police launched an investigation. Officers examined CCTV footage from wedding venues and deployed informants at banquet halls and farmhouses to track down the culprits.

A key tactic of the gang was using minors for thefts. "The gang leader lured parents in villages by offering them Rs 10 to 12 lakh a year in exchange for their children's involvement," Gupta revealed. These children, aged between 9 and 15, were then brought to Delhi and trained to steal without attracting suspicion. They were also coached on how to blend in with guests, act confidently, and remain silent if caught, she added.

Arrests

Based on a tip-off about the gang’s movements, police conducted a raid near Shastri Park metro depot. Three suspects were arrested, and a juvenile was apprehended. The arrested individuals were identified as Ajju (24), Kuljeet (22), and Kalu Chhayal (25), all from Madhya Pradesh, police said.

Police recovered Rs 2,14,000 in cash, a mobile phone, and several pieces of silver jewellery from the accused, Gupta said. Further investigations are underway to track other gang members and recover more stolen items.

Inputs from PTI