A couple, along with two accomplices, have been arrested by the Moti Nagar police for committing several incidents of shoplifting to fund their drug addiction. They targeted commuters and sold stolen cell phones and other valuables, police said.

The arrested persons have been identified as Vishal Kumar Sinha and his wife Mamta Devi, residents of New Vijay Nagar, Tajpur Road, Abhimanyu Singh of Ranjit Nagar, Sherpur Kalan and Suraj Rawat of EWS Colony.

According to Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sahib Kumar, who is investigating the case, the police arrested the accused on the complaint of Tushfaque Khan, a resident of New Vishwakarma Nagar. Khan reported that he was talking on his cell phone near his house when three miscreants on a motorcycle snatched his device. One of the accused brandished a sharp weapon and threatened Khan before snatching his phone.

An FIR was registered. During the investigation, the police arrested the accused who reportedly admitted their involvement in the crimes. “Mamta Devi played a key role in selling the stolen mobile phones. The proceeds were used to buy drugs for the gang,” said the ASI.