In a striking example of technology misuse, Jharkhand Police have arrested an inter-state burglary gang that allegedly used Google Maps to plan and execute thefts across multiple states. According to the police, three accused from Bihar relied on navigation tools to conduct digital reconnaissance of wealthy residential areas in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar, replacing traditional on-ground “casing” with virtual surveillance.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), East Singhbhum, said the accused used satellite imagery and Street View features to carry out a “virtual walk-through” of neighbourhoods on their mobile phones. By zooming into high-resolution images, they identified weak boundary walls, isolated entry points, and low-surveillance access routes—all without attracting attention from local residents.
Digital trail cracks the case
The case came to light following a burglary in the Golmuri area of Jamshedpur on September 19. After the homeowner filed a complaint, a special investigation team combined CCTV footage, technical intelligence, and mobile tracking to piece together the trail. Following the digital footprint, police traced the suspects to Patna and arrested them during a coordinated raid.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Vikas Kumar (27), Raju Kumar (49) and Mohammad Irfan (26). During the operation, police recovered a firearm, live ammunition, stolen gold jewellery, and tools used for break-ins.
‘Hit-and-run’ strategy
Investigators revealed that the gang followed a highly mobile hit-and-run strategy. The accused would enter a new city, use mapping apps to select a target, commit the crime, and immediately cross state borders to evade local law enforcement. Using this method, the gang allegedly targeted at least six homes in recent months.
“The accused kept moving between cities across three neighbouring states,” the SSP said. “By using Google Maps, they did not need local accomplices—neither to identify affluent localities nor to plan escape routes.”
Misuse of technology: a growing challenge
The case underscores an emerging crime trend, where everyday digital tools are repurposed for reconnaissance and operational planning. Experts note that while navigation apps are indispensable for citizens, tech-savvy criminals are increasingly exploiting them for illicit activities. This, in turn, has heightened the need for stronger digital-forensics capabilities within law enforcement agencies.
Judicial custody, probe continues
All three accused have been produced before a court and sent to judicial custody. Police are examining whether the gang is linked to other unsolved burglaries in the region. Forensic analysis of seized digital devices is underway to map crime patterns, location histories, and possible associates.
Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and strengthen home security measures, including robust locking systems, surveillance cameras, and prompt reporting of suspicious activity. Officials said that as technology evolves rapidly, public security awareness must keep pace.
