Lucknow: What they thought would be a cool job instead brought cops in their hot pursuit.A five-member gang of daily wagers devised a plan to beat the heat as well their financial misery with a single act — stealing air-conditioners from a warehouse in Hazratganj, which, they thought would give them cool nights and help earn quick money.Police said the accused—who were engaged in menial jobs —hatched the plan after struggling to cope with extreme temperatures and financial constraints. Unable to afford air-conditioners, they decided to steal them, with plan to install some for personal use while selling the rest in the grey market at cheaper rates.They executed the plan on April 25 night by breaking into a warehouse in Hazratganj. They stole three split AC units along with several outdoor units.The theft came to light the following morning, prompting police probe. Teams analysed CCTV footage from nearby locations and used technical surveillance to track the suspects’ movements.SHO Hazratganj Vikram Singh said all five accused were arrested from Narhi locality near Hazratganj within 24 hours of the crime. “During questioning, they admitted that intense heat and their financial condition pushed them into committing the theft,” he said.The accused have been identified as Faisal (20), Manoj Rawat (22), Mukim (21), Qasim (19), and Mobin (24). Police recovered all the stolen items, ensuring complete recovery in the case.A case has been registered under Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. nvestigation is underway to ascertain if the gang was involved in similar thefts.
