New Delhi witnessed a swift police operation on Tuesday when officers from Nabi Karim station arrested a 16-year-old boy accused of snatching a mobile phone from a Mauritian tourist. The incident unfolded amid the bustling streets of Paharganj, a popular hub for international visitors.
On February 25, 2026, the 56-year-old victim from Mauritius, accompanied by his wife, was exploring the crowded market. In a moment of distraction, an unidentified individual slipped a hand into his jeans pocket and fled with his smartphone. Alerted by the theft, the couple rushed to Nabi Karim police station to file an e-FIR, setting off an immediate investigation.
Under the leadership of SHO Inspector Gulshan Nagpal, a dedicated team comprising SI Neeraj Rathi, HC Vikas from Nabi Karim, and HC Rajbir and HC Manoj from Karol Bagh was formed. The investigators scoured the area, meticulously reviewing CCTV footage that captured the suspect’s movements from DBG Road to Karol Bagh.
Through relentless technical surveillance and on-ground tracking, the police pursued the fleeing minor. Despite his attempts to evade capture, the team apprehended him within eight hours in the Karol Bagh vicinity. The boy, who lived like a beggar near Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Revealing a tragic backstory, the minor shared that his mother abandoned the family 7-8 years ago, and his father passed away in 2025. Addicted to intoxicants, he survives by begging and petty thefts. He admitted to targeting the foreign tourist in the market crowd, lifting the phone seamlessly. Police recovered the device intact, complete with the owner’s Indian and Mauritian SIM cards.
This case underscores Delhi Police’s commitment to protecting tourists, especially in high-traffic areas like Paharganj. Authorities have sent the minor to a juvenile home, emphasizing rehabilitation alongside justice. As Delhi gears up for more international footfall, such rapid responses boost visitor confidence.