Varanasi: Lalpur-Pandeypur police on Friday arrested three men accused of luring people with offers of cheap US dollars before cheating and robbing them.According to ACP Pragya Pathak, the accused were nabbed during a checking drive near the Aidhe underpass while they were riding two motorcycles. They were identified as Sheikh Rafique and Pramod Kumar, both residents of Ghaziabad, and Mohammad Ibrahim of northeast Delhi.Police recovered Rs 46,005 in cash, three US dollar notes worth $60, two motorcycles allegedly used in the crime, seven mobile phones and 12 SIM cards from their possession.During interrogation, the accused revealed that their gang targeted passersby by offering US dollars at rates lower than the market value. Once a victim agreed to the deal and arrived at an isolated location with cash, the gang allegedly used deception or force to take the money before fleeing.The gang came under the police scanner after its members allegedly robbed a couple of a bag containing Rs 1.20 lakh near Pandeypur crossing on Nov 4. When the couple resisted, the accused allegedly threatened to kill them before escaping. A complaint was lodged with the police the same day.The arrested men later admitted their involvement in the case during questioning, police said.Police are now examining the seized mobile phones and SIM cards to trace other gang members and identify additional victims.
