While globally acclaimed Norwegian DJ Alan Walker performed at Kochi's Bolgatty Palace on Sunday, an oganised crime group used the opportunity to steal at least 22 iPhones and 13 Android smartphones from the attendees. Several of the complainants lost their mobile devices from the VIP area of the venue, police said.
When one of the complainants tried spotting the location of his missing iPhone, it was tracked to the vicinity of the CIAL. When the police made a move based on this clue, the phone had reached Mumbai from the airport.
Similar crimes were reported in Bengaluru and Delhi in the past, further strengthening the police theory that it was a well-planned and executed act by a trained group. The police suspect the number of complainants to go up in the days to come.
According to the police, the modus operandi of the gang is to target programmes held in metro cities that attract large crowds. They spend on tickets to mingle with the enthralled crowd and snatch valuables from the pockets of the people, making the most of the loud environment. Once the deed is done, they flee the city sans waiting a moment.
Mulavukad SHO VS Shyamkumar is in charge of the investigation, Manorama Online said in a report. The probe team is in the process of analysing CCTV visuals around the area. Over 100 Kerala Police personnel including two ACPs were deployed at Bolgatty Palace ahead of the much-hyped DJ night. The event started at 7:30 PM and many approached the cops claiming their phones were missing as the show progressed.
The event was organised by Mumbai-based Sunburn Arena, in association with Ezone Entertainment Kochi.