'Your Car Is Leaking Petrol…': How The 'Thak-Thak' Gang Tricks And Loots Commuters

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 19:02 IST

The 'Thak-Thak' gang mainly targets vehicles with visible valuables, often preying on families, women and the elderly, using traffic jams for swift getaways

The 'thak-thak' gang's methods are so cunning that the victim remains unaware until it is too late. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

The notorious ‘Thak-Thak‘ gang has once again surfaced, creating panic amongst vehicle owners in cities. Known for their unique and terrifying methods, this gang operates under the cover of night, targeting vehicles on desolate roads.

The ‘Thak-Thak‘ gang is commonly seen at traffic signals and crowded areas, usually on the prowl for their next victim. Their modus operandi involves making a sudden loud ‘Thak-Thak‘ sound on the window or door of a vehicle. They then alert the driver by saying, “smoke is coming out of your tyre," “something has fallen from under the vehicle," or “petrol is leaking."

The driver, alarmed, stops and gets out to inspect. Meanwhile, other gang members distract or intimidate the passengers inside and swiftly steal valuables like bags, purses, mobiles, and even jewellery. The entire heist transpires within minutes, leaving the vehicle owner bewildered.

How They Pick Their Victims

The ‘Thak-Thak‘ gang primarily targets vehicles with visible belongings, often choosing families, women, and the elderly as their victims. They exploit heavy traffic jams to facilitate a quick escape.

Fear Spreads Across Multiple Cities

This gang’s notoriety has spread across many cities, believed to have originated in major urban centres like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in the 2000s. They are particularly active in areas with minimal night-time traffic and deserted roads.

The gang’s members are often local unemployed youth, drawn into crime by the lure of easy money. Operating in small groups, they meticulously plan their attacks. Their methods are so cunning that the victim remains unaware until it is too late.

In a notable case in Delhi in 2018, the gang threw stones at a car to force the driver to stop, thinking his tyre was punctured. As he got out, four to five gang members ambushed him, stealing his purse, mobile and jewellery. There have been numerous instances where the gang has not only looted but also engaged in violence and stabbing.

Operates Through Widespread Network

Despite various police campaigns to apprehend them, the ‘Thak-Thak‘ gang’s extensive network has made it challenging to eradicate. Arrests have been made in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, but the gang’s organised nature suggests involvement of major criminals behind the scenes.

Precautions To Stay Safe

The key mantra to avoid the ‘Thak-Thak‘ gang is vigilance. When someone knocks on a car window requesting attention, other windows should remain closed, doors locked, and valuables kept out of sight. Mobile phones should not be placed on the dashboard. Bags, laptops, and other belongings are best stored in the locked boot. Driving with open windows in crowded areas should be avoided, as slow-moving traffic can increase the risk of distraction and theft.

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