Suraj Bahadur, a two-time National Games taekwondo champion, has been detained by Delhi Police for his involvement in over 100 snatching and armed robbery incidents. The 28-year-old was also a participant in the reality television show Indian Idol.
He was allegedly caught with more than 2.5 kg of gold, 55 stolen phones, five stolen automobiles, and a country-made weapon, according to police.
During the additional investigation, officers discovered a pistol and arrested him. Last week, police discovered him riding a scooter near Moti Nagar and thought his behaviours were “suspect.” Further investigation revealed that the scooter had recently been stolen.
According to DCP (West) Urvija Goel, “he confessed to being involved in 100 cases of snatching in various sections of Delhi.” He allegedly intimidated a jeweller with a revolver and robbed him of 2.5 kg of gold in the Sabzi Mandi neighbourhood recently.
When questioned further, he admitted to being arrested in similar crimes in 2014, 2017, and 2019, but returning to a life of crime after being released on bond.
“He and his gang members have been apprehended multiple times, but after being released on bond, he rejoins a local group and begins committing crimes again. He’d also obtained a weapon and was using it to frighten individuals into stealing expensive stuff, according to one officer.
Suraj earned a diploma in computer engineering from Delhi University. In 2012-13, he won two gold medals in taekwondo. In 2008, he competed on Indian Idol, where he finished in the top 50.7
“He informed us that he quit athletics and singing because he couldn’t make enough money and decided to commit crimes. He is a fan of designer clothing and high-end automobiles. He wanted to obtain these items for himself and joined local gangs,” the officer explained.
