Araria police in Bihar have achieved another major breakthrough in a multi-crore smartphone theft case by arresting a key suspect from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Following the arrest, law enforcement personnel recovered 2,050 stolen Realme and Oppo smartphones based on information provided by the accused. With this fresh seizure, the total number of recovered mobile phones in the case has reached 3,487. Araria Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar shared full details of the ongoing interstate operation during a press conference.
Truck Abandoned Near Zero Mile Petrol Pump
The high-value theft took place on June 9, 2026, when a truck carrying a consignment of Realme and Oppo smartphones along with accessories was targeted. The driver of the vehicle bearing registration number KA-02AJ-1157, along with unidentified accomplices, siphoned off the entire load of devices. The perpetrators then abandoned the vehicle near an HP petrol pump located at Zero Mile and fled the scene. Following the incident, a formal complaint was registered under Araria Police Station case number 314/26 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to initiate a comprehensive probe.
Arrest of Anish in Mathura Leads to Massive Device Recovery
Sustained investigation led the police team to track leads into Uttar Pradesh. Acting on targeted intelligence, officers raided a location under the Shergarh police station area in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, and apprehended 33-year-old Anish. Interrogation of Anish and the resulting search operations yielded 2,050 stolen smartphones. Additionally, law enforcement authorities took the vehicle's co-driver, Taleem, into custody on transit remand. Both individuals are being produced before the court for further judicial proceedings.
Interstate Racket Spanning Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh
According to SP Jitendra Kumar, the investigation highlights a widespread organized syndicate operating across multiple states. Earlier in the investigation, police had arrested five other suspects from regions across Haryana, New Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Those previously arrested were identified as Anwar, Deepak Gupta, Shahil, Kamil alias Kimmi, and Naim. Police had seized 1,437 mobile phones, one laptop, ₹6.97 lakh in cash, and five vehicles utilized in executing the crime from their possession.
Seven Arrests Made as Manhunt Continues for Remaining Accomplices
To date, law enforcement agencies have apprehended seven suspects linked to this heist. Total seizures in the case stand at 3,487 smartphones, five vehicles, one laptop, and ₹6.97 lakh in cash. The multi-agency operation was carried out through coordinated efforts involving Araria Station House Officer Manish Rajak, police officers Vikas Kumar and Ramlakhan Choudhary, the Tiger Mobile team, the DIU team, and the Special Task Force (SOG) from Patna, Bihar. Police officials confirmed that active raids remain underway to track down remaining fugitives and retrieve any remaining stolen property.
