Raya Police Bust Interstate Livestock Theft Gang; Five Arrested

Raya, September 10, 2026: Police in Raya, Mathura, have successfully dismantled an organized criminal gang involved in the repeated theft of livestock across the district. During a routine patrol and vehicle inspection conducted in the early hours of September 9, 2026, the local police team intercepted and apprehended five suspects who were allegedly transporting stolen cattle. The operation, which took place on the Bareilly-Jaipur highway near the village of Bhimagarhi within the limits of the Shergarh police station area, has led to the recovery of six stolen buffaloes and a Max Pickup vehicle used in the illicit activities, bearing the registration number UP 85 ET 7231.

Details of the Apprehension and Recoveries

The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Gopal, 28, son of Jaijai Singh and resident of Chhaichhau, Aligarh; Netrapal, 32, son of Veerpal Singh from Ohawa, Surir, Mathura; Shanti Swarup, 28, son of Daryab Singh from Pavesara, Raya, Mathura; Jeetu, 35, son of Kaptan Singh from Fatehpur, Iglas, Mathura; and 68-year-old Parashuram Gurjar, son of Ramjilal, a resident of Bhimagarhi, Shergarh, Mathura. During the search, officers recovered three illegal firearms, including one .315 bore country-made pistol and two 12-bore pistols. Additionally, police seized nine live cartridges—comprising seven recovered from Netrapal and two from Jeetu—along with 25,000 rupees in cash.

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Background of the Investigation

The arrest follows reports of multiple livestock thefts in the region. According to official records, a case was initially registered at Raya police station on August 19, 2026, by complainant Kehri Singh, son of Gajendra Singh, regarding the theft of one buffalo and a calf from his premises. A subsequent case was filed on September 8, 2026, by Vijendra Chaturvedi, son of Kalicharan, a resident of Nayawas, Raya, concerning the theft of another buffalo and two calves from outside his home. These incidents triggered the investigation that led to the identification and eventual capture of the five accused. Following their detention, the suspects were processed at the Raya police station and subsequently presented before the local court.

Criminal History and Police Action

A review of the accused’s criminal records reveals extensive prior histories for several members of the group, particularly Netrapal, who is linked to at least 18 prior cases ranging from theft and robbery to violations of the Gangster Act and attempted murder within the jurisdictions of Baldeo, Maant, and Surir. The other suspects also have multiple entries related to theft, robbery, and violations of the Arms Act on their respective criminal records. The police operation was carried out by a team led by Station House Officer Karmaveer Singh of Raya, supported by sub-inspectors Kushalpal Singh, Nitin Tyagi, Raj Verma, and Intezar Ali. They were assisted by constables Anesh Kumar, Nitin Malik, Sandeep Kumar, Gaurav Kumar, Pradum Kumar, Sumit Kumar, and Ashok Pal. Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are currently ongoing as investigators finalize the case files for the court.

This major arrest marks a significant effort by the Mathura police to curb the rising menace of cattle theft which has been affecting the local farming community in rural parts of the district. The recovery of the pickup truck suggests a well-coordinated operation, and the recovery of multiple firearms indicates that the gang was prepared to use force during their criminal excursions. Authorities have stated that they are continuing their interrogation of the suspects to identify any other potential associates or buyers involved in the organized sale of stolen cattle, aiming to dismantle the entire network that has been operating within this sector of the Braj region.