**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Irani Gang’s Reign of Terror Spreads Nationwide**
With sharp builds, khaki uniforms, and a commanding presence, members of the notorious Irani gang routinely pose as police officers to carry out loots and frauds across several states. Operating from Bhopal, the gang has been spreading fear well beyond the limits of the Nishatpura police jurisdiction.
Known for impersonating law enforcement, the gang members are involved in theft, robbery, pickpocketing, and burglary. Their criminal activities have drawn the attention of police forces in Jaipur, Meerut, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. In response, teams from these states have launched multiple operations in Bhopal to apprehend the gang members.
In one recent case, gang members Gulam, Chinna, Ghanshyam, and Abid alias Raju Irani looted Rs 20 lakh in Jaipur while posing as police officials. Despite a thorough two-day search, Jaipur police returned empty-handed. Soon after, Meerut police arrived in Bhopal and conducted raids near the railway station settlements, searching for Badhi Mundi and Mohammad, who had stolen a bag of gold worth Rs 80 lakh from a jeweller in August 2025. CCTV footage confirmed their identities.
Earlier, police teams from Maharashtra and Karnataka also attempted raids at the gang’s Bhopal hideouts but were unsuccessful.
### Criminal Activity and Police Response
In the last two years, the Irani gang has allegedly carried out over 40 major robberies across different states. Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra stated that Bhopal police remain alert and are fully cooperating with out-of-state teams during ongoing operations.
### Violent Resistance from Gang Members and Community
Police teams from outside Bhopal often face violent resistance when raiding Irani settlements. Women from the community have been known to attack officers using stones, chili powder, and even iron rods. Local police have faced similar assaults during past operations, complicating efforts to apprehend the gang members.
### The Gang Network
Gang leader Abid Ali alias Raju Irani continues to operate alongside his network, which includes nearly 50 members such as Vakar, Ghanshyam alias Pani, Mohammad Mashallah, Mohammad Bathi Mundi, Qasim Jojo, Rashid Irani, Rahmatullah, Gulam, and Chinna. Their criminal footprint extends across multiple states.
### Tactics and Hideouts
To avoid arrest, gang members often stay in luxury hotels and conduct target reconnaissance during mornings and evenings. They typically strike in isolated areas. Disguised as police officers, they loot valuables under the pretense of routine checks, leaving the public unsuspecting.
Recovery of stolen assets is difficult, as the loot is quickly transported back to Bhopal and stashed away, making police operations more challenging.
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Authorities continue to intensify efforts to dismantle the Irani gang’s operations and bring the perpetrators to justice, ensuring the safety of citizens across states affected by their crimes.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-news-irani-gang-operating-from-bhopal-poses-as-cops-loots-across-states
