Police in Siwan have busted a major interstate fraud gang, arresting three of its members during a special raid in the Mairwa police station area. The arrests were made near Kali Mandir, adjacent to Mairwa railway station. Authorities recovered approximately six lakh rupees in cash, ornaments resembling yellow metal, silver-like jewelry, and five mobile phones. The total estimated value of the seized goods is around 40 lakh rupees, though the actual metal and value of the ornaments will be confirmed after further investigation.

SDPO Anand Mohan Gupta of Sadar-2 Mairwa disclosed details of the case during a press conference on Saturday. The arrested individuals have been identified as Lalji Kumar from Naya Jaan Tola Gudri, Chapra; Guddu Kumar from Bilthara Road, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh; and Raj Kumar Dom from Bahrauli, Mashrakh police station area, Chapra. According to the police, the gang comprises four members, with three now in custody, and efforts are underway to apprehend the fourth.

SDPO Gupta stated that the gang was active in Siwan, Chapra, Gopalganj in Bihar, and some districts of Uttar Pradesh. They primarily targeted women and elderly individuals. Their modus operandi involved a trick often referred to as 'sleight of hand'. They would stick currency notes to a piece of cloth with soap and then strategically drop it on the road or near people. When someone would attempt to pick it up, the fraudsters would lure them aside with the promise of sharing the money. While engaging the victim in conversation, they would discreetly remove their ornaments. Victims would only realize they had been duped much later. Police are continuing their investigation to identify other members of the gang and uncover their full network of fraudulent activities.