Delhi Crime Branch busts auto-lifter network, three arrested; five stolen cars recovered

August 17, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted an organised auto-lifting and vehicle disposal network and arrested three alleged members, recovering five stolen cars, 104 forged High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) and 24 forged Registration Certificates (RCs), officials said on Monday.

Gang allegedly supplied over 100 stolen cars

The accused have been identified as Amit Nagar alias Sonu, 35, a resident of Rohini; Atom Jagat Singh, 45, from Imphal East in Manipur; and Potsangbam Mukesh Singh, 28, also from Imphal East.

According to the Crime Branch, the gang was allegedly being operated by Nagar and had a network spread across several states. During interrogation, Nagar allegedly disclosed that he had supplied more than 100 stolen high-end cars to receivers in different parts of the country.

Police said the gang used duplicate keys, electronic equipment and computer-based devices to bypass vehicle security systems and target high-end cars and SUVs. Forged RCs and registration plates were allegedly used to facilitate the resale and disposal of the stolen vehicles.

Five stolen vehicles recovered

The investigation began with scrutiny of vehicle theft cases, CCTV footage and field intelligence. On May 12, police apprehended Potsangbam Mukesh Singh from Chhatarpur Enclave Phase-II and recovered forged RCs from his possession.

A search of his rented premises led to the recovery of equipment used for fixing registration plates, 104 forged HSRPs and 22 forged RCs. A stolen Maruti Baleno was subsequently recovered from Wazirabad at his instance.

On May 14, police arrested Atom Jagat Singh and recovered another stolen Maruti Swift from Mukherjee Nagar. Amit Nagar was arrested on July 28, following which a stolen Maruti Swift Dzire was recovered.

On August 13, police recovered two more stolen vehicles — a Kia Seltos and a Hyundai Creta — from Ukhrul district in Manipur, near the Myanmar border, at the instance of Atom Jagat Singh.

Network spread across several states

Police said the vehicles had allegedly been stolen in Delhi and transported to the border area for disposal. The two vehicles were allegedly intended to be sold to underground groups.

The Crime Branch said the accused operated through associates in Manipur, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Punjab, Assam and West Bengal.

The investigation is continuing to identify other alleged members of the syndicate, trace additional stolen vehicles and establish the complete chain involved in their theft, transportation and disposal.