New Delhi: A man has been arrested for allegedly using his two minor children, aged 15 and 13, to carry out thefts near Jama Masjid market in central Delhi.The case came to light during investigation into the theft of $7,200 from an Uzbek national who was in India for his minor daughter’s cancer surgery in Gurgaon. The theft was reported at Jama Masjid police station on Jan 15.In his police complaint, the Uzbek national stated that he was carrying the money in a sling bag while visiting Jama Masjid market with his family for sightseeing and shopping, when he discovered that foreign currency and a debit card had been stolen.“Through sustained technical surveillance, CCTV footage from cameras installed around the market area, and field intelligence, two siblings from New Seelampur — both juveniles — were identified,” said DCP (Central) Anant Mittal.Their movements were tracked and verified, revealing their involvement in other similar cases, he added. Raids were conducted at New Seelampur and the trio was subsequently caught. The accused told police that in the past too, he had deployed his children to carry out thefts to avoid being directly implicated and would then keep the stolen goods.Police said the man was previously involved in a robbery case registered at Pandav Nagar police station. The apprehended minors also have previous involvement, including motor vehicle theft cases registered at Jama Masjid police station.Police recovered $6,500, a mobile phone worth Rs 48,000 allegedly purchased with the stolen money, Rs 4,700 cash and the complainant’s debit card from the accused.
