'Chacha-Bhatija' vehicle theft ring busted

India Gazette (IANS) Saturday 4th February, 2012

A car theft racket run by the "Chacha (uncle)", who used his age to allay suspicion, and "Bhatija (nephew)", who disposed off the stolen vehicles, has been busted with the duo's arrest, police said Sunday.

The car thief ('Chacha') was identified as Jagdish Chander, 57, while the receiver of the stolen property has been identified as Binder Singh ('Bhatija').

Chander was arrested on Jan 21 from Kirti Nagar area in west Delhi for his alleged involvement in more than 25 motor vehicle theft cases. Singh was arrested later on information obtained from him.

Chander, who worked as a car dealer in the area, started stealing old cars, mainly Maruti 800s and Santro models and sell these vehicles though Singh, a TV mechanic, said Additional Commissioner of Police V. Renganathan.

Chander disclosed that he had sold the stolen cars for Rs.45,000 to Rs.85,000 depending upon the condition of the vehicle.

He admitted that he was committing the thefts for money to lead a lavish life style and also for providing higher education to his children.

"He used to escape from the suspicious eyes of the public and police due to his age and feeble physique," said Renganathan.