Next time you hear words like 'machine' and 'chabi' on the streets of Delhi, watch out

You must have come across signs like "Beware of pickpockets" at railway stations and cinema halls. Of course there is some difficulty in spotting these delinquents as they don't always stand out in a crowd. But if you keep an ear out for telltale conversations on the streets you can hold on to that cash a little while longer.

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MiD DAY has learnt that pickpockets call their gang members with different code names. Each member has a different moniker that comes in handy when an 'operation' is in progress. Pickpockets first assemble in a park in their demarcated area. Before boarding a bus they have a cryptic conversation.

"Phool (flower) bus adda ka hai - this means they will assemble at their hideout in ISBT area to distribute robbed cash. Dande (stick) pe chal rahein hain -meaning they are busy in an operation inside a bus. They use this line as a code if they get a call from someone, while work is in progress. Chabi nikal, contains a portent message. After using these two words all group members pull out their surgical blades to attack someone," a senior police official explained to MiD DAY.

u00a0Speaking with this reporter DCP (crime) Ashok Chand said that he is familiar with only two euphemisms. "The gang member who siphons off wallets is called Machine. He is an expert in securing the purse after being helped by another. Two or three persons who catch hold of their target on the pretext of moving inside the bus are called Thek Baaz," he said.u00a0

One of their gang members would also follow them on a bike for help in case it's needed. According to asenior police official they travel in a particular route number to target their prey.

Six of the worst

The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police arrested six pickpockets who allegedly have been involved in number of criminal cases. DCP, Crime, Ashok Chand said that the accused have been identified as Salim, Baapi Biswas, Salim, Sonu, Gopal Biswas and Manoj. "We had a tip-off that they would assemble near Kalindi Kunj. A raid was conducted and all of them were arrested by the police. They gang has been active in Okhla area. Last time while robbing persons inside a bus they pulled out surgical blades and attacked several passengers who tried to raise an alarm. The victims suffered injuries on their face and neck," said Chand. He added that cops are interrogating them about their antecedents. Read More Read Next Story Motorbikes skid; 2 hurt› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Ganeshotsav 2026 View Details ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT