New Delhi: In a significant action against street crime, police in East Delhi’s Mandawali area arrested a 33-year-old man carrying an illegal button-actuated knife, believed to be intended for snatching offences. The arrest was made during routine patrolling in the Urja Vihar, Railway Phatak area on Sunday afternoon.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 1:00 pm on August 10, when constable Suresh, deployed on area patrol, noticed a man exhibiting suspicious behaviour. The suspect attempted to flee on seeing the police but was quickly chased down and apprehended after a brief pursuit.
A search of the man led to the recovery of a button-activated knife, banned under the Arms Act. The accused was identified as Abhishek, a resident of Giri Marg in Mandawali. Police said he has a history of criminal activity, with at least 17 previous cases of snatching registered against him.
Part of Crime Prevention Drive
The arrest comes under the ongoing anti-crime operations being carried out by the East District Police to curb unlawful activities in the area. The drive is being supervised by the Station House Officer (SHO) of PS Mandawali and guided by the ACP of Mayur Vihar subdivision.
“Our personnel have been directed to maintain a high state of vigilance in areas prone to street crime. This arrest is a result of swift action by alert patrolling staff,” a senior police officer said.
Following the recovery, an FIR (No. 365/25) was registered at PS Mandawali under sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act. Police said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the recovered weapon had been used in recent crimes and to identify potential accomplices.
Accused’s Criminal Past
Abhishek, police revealed, has an extensive criminal record. Despite being only educated up to the eighth standard, he has been involved in multiple criminal activities, primarily street snatching. Investigators believe that his pattern of offences has been consistent, targeting unsuspecting pedestrians in the locality.
“He is unemployed and has no steady source of income. During interrogation, he confessed to being an alcoholic and driven by personal vices. He admitted that he carried the knife to facilitate snatching incidents and arrange quick money for his expenses,” an officer involved in the case said.
Records indicate that Abhishek has faced legal action in at least 17 different snatching cases in the past. Police suspect that he might also be connected to other unsolved incidents in the district.
The Recovery
Police have seized the knife, which they say is a prohibited weapon under the Arms Act. Such button-actuated knives are considered dangerous because they can be swiftly deployed during robberies or assaults, posing a serious threat to public safety.
Forensic and ballistic experts will examine the weapon to check for fingerprints or other forensic evidence that might link it to other criminal acts.
Crackdown on Repeat Offenders
Authorities say the arrest underscores the police’s focus on keeping repeat offenders under surveillance. In many cases, habitual offenders revert to crime soon after being released on bail or completing their sentences.
“This is why our patrols and field units have been instructed to maintain constant watch on those with a known criminal background,” the officer added. “We are also seeking legal advice to ensure strict prosecution, so that such offenders cannot easily return to the streets.”
The East District Police have been carrying out targeted patrols and surprise checks in busy markets, residential colonies, and railway crossings—areas where snatching and pickpocketing incidents are reported more frequently.
Impact on Public Safety
Local residents of Urja Vihar have welcomed the arrest, saying that such patrolling initiatives make them feel safer. Several shopkeepers in the area said that suspicious individuals often loiter near the railway crossing, particularly during the afternoon hours, making it a hotspot for petty crime.
“Many people use this crossing every day. It is good to know the police are actively patrolling and catching these criminals before something happens,” said a tea stall owner in the vicinity.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are now verifying Abhishek’s claims about his involvement in other cases. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed to check for his presence in recent incidents. Investigators are also looking into his possible links with other criminals operating in East Delhi.
The case is likely to be presented before a magistrate soon. Police officials have said they will seek custodial interrogation to extract further information about his criminal network and to prevent future crimes.
Charges Filed:
FIR No. 365/25 dated 10/08/2025
Registered under Sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act at PS Mandawali.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately to their nearest police station or by dialling 112. They reiterated that community participation, along with persistent patrolling, is key to keeping streets safe from habitual offenders.
“This arrest should send a strong message to others who think they can freely carry weapons or commit crimes in our jurisdiction. We are watching, and we will act,” a senior officer warned.
