They are notorious for stealing valuables at marriage functions in various states and resisting arrest through violence, but, Madhya Pradesh Police turned the tables on the infamous Kadiya gang by apprehending four members at their weddings in Rajgarh district.
The arrests were made amid heightened security during the ongoing marriage season in Kadiya village, a locality notorious for producing criminals, police said on Wednesday.
Superintendent of Police Aditya Mishra said extensive arrangements had been made to apprehend wanted criminals who returned to their native Kadiya village during the wedding season.
"A total of 153 jawans from 17 different police stations have been deployed in and around Kadiya village," Mishra said.
Officials have also set up a fully equipped police camp with tents, mobile toilets, and water tankers to support the deployed force.
Armed police force was deployed in the camp. Some personnel were stationed in plain clothes to ensure the swift arrest of offenders attempting to blend into the crowd, Mishra added.
To increase public awareness and aid identification, the police put up banners across the village on Tuesday displaying photographs of wanted criminals, many of whom have cases registered across several states, he said.
On Tuesday night, the police successfully arrested four criminals immediately after their wedding rituals concluded.
Among those apprehended was Kabir Sansi (24), who has 16 criminal cases registered against him in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, the police officer said.
Rishi Sansi (19), with 13 cases lodged in districts including Harsud, Khandwa, Rewa, Neemuch, and Rajgarh (Madhya Pradesh), as well as Jhalawar (Rajasthan), was also taken into custody.
Another accused, Mohanish Sansi, has 32 cases across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, while Rohan Sansi faces charges in four criminal cases.
The search for the remaining accused is underway, he said.
Boda police station in-charge Dharmendra Sharma said more than 50 warrants linked to thefts during wedding functions are currently pending in Kadiya village alone.
"We are conducting a dedicated campaign, which includes arrangements for tents, mobile toilets and water tankers for the police force, to apprehend all missing criminals," Sharma said.
The Kadiya gang has been under the police radar for its alleged widespread involvement in theft and robbery across the country.
In August last year, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested three members of the gang who were caught stealing a jewellery bag during a high-profile wedding in Jaipur. Stolen valuables worth Rs 1.45 crore were recovered during the operation.
Police had faced violent attacks in Kadiya village when they went to apprehend gang members.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
