Lucknow: Police on Tuesday busted a transgender gang that targeted women by looting jewellery under the pretext of seeking “neg” (customary gift) for weddings.Police arrested three persons, including two transgender persons, and recovered stolen jewellery along with the car used in the crimes.Additional deputy commissioner of police (south zone) Vasant Kumar said the arrested accused were identified as Ajay Rawat alias Rani (a transgender person) from Krishna Nagar, Akash Gupta alias Kamaulika/Kammo (transgender) from Kanpur Nagar, and Rafiq Ahmad from Saadatganj.Police recovered a gold mangalsutra, two pairs of earrings and the car used in the crime.According to the ADCP, the gang would roam in a car and identify women walking alone or households where women were present. The accused would approach victims asking about nearby wedding functions and then demand money as “neg”.If the victim refused, the accused would intimidate them and, taking advantage of the situation, forcibly snatch jewellery and cash before fleeing.In one such incident on Monday morning, the accused targeted Vibha Yadav, a resident of Anand Vihar Colony in Bijnor.Police said the gang just minutes earlier committed a similar robbery targeting another woman, Mamta, in Garhi locality.Assistant commissioner of police (Krishna Nagar) Rajneesh Verma said, “They would sing traditional ‘badhai’ songs and then demand hefty amounts as neg. If the family refused, they would create a scene, misbehave and, in some cases, resort to snatching jewellery or assault.”Police said one more member of the gang is absconding.
