Delhi police nab history-sheeter using fake social media profile

In a calculated operation blending digital surveillance with field intelligence, the Delhi Police arrested a 25-year-old history-sheeter by luring him through a fake social media profile, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Aman, a resident of Aram Bagh in Paharganj , was listed as a “bad character” at the local police station and had a long record of theft and snatching cases. His arrest on March 27 near Jhandewalan Metro Station followed a targeted effort by investigators tracking his activities.

The operation began after a complaint was filed on March 19 regarding the theft of a scooter from the Nabi Karim area. Police teams analysed CCTV footage from the vicinity and identified Aman as the suspect. However, instead of attempting an immediate arrest, officers opted for a strategic approach.

Investigators monitored the accused’s social media usage and created a fake profile posing as a woman. The profile was designed to appear genuine, with curated details and activity aligned with the suspect’s online behaviour. Officers initiated contact and engaged him in conversation over a period of time, gradually building trust.

The accused was eventually persuaded to meet at a pre-decided location. A team in plain clothes was deployed at the site, and he was apprehended upon arrival without incident.

During interrogation, Aman allegedly confessed to stealing two-wheelers and using them in snatching and related crimes across central Delhi. Police said he followed a specific modus operandi stealing scooters, hiding them for 10 to 15 days, and later using them to commit offences before switching to other stolen vehicles.

Based on his disclosure, police recovered four stolen scooters from different locations, including two from Nabi Karim and one each from Ranjit Nagar and Karol Bagh. Officials said the arrest also helped detect multiple pending cases of theft and snatching.

According to police, Aman has been previously involved in over 30 criminal cases across several police stations in central Delhi. Further investigation is underway.