Walk of Shame: Hathras Police Use Gait Analysis to Nab ATM Thief
Hathras police used unique gait analysis and footwear evidence to catch a drug addict who attempted an ATM burglary.
In a remarkable display of forensic detective work, the Hathras police have arrested a suspect involved in an attempted ATM burglary by analyzing the way he walked. While the criminal thought he had successfully hidden his identity from the cameras, it was his own unique physical stride and a pair of slippers that led the police straight to his door.
The Midnight Heist Attempt
The incident unfolded between the midnight hours of October 30 and 31. The target was an ATM located on the Hathras-Mathura road, positioned directly opposite the railway station and falling under the jurisdiction of the Mursan police station.
The suspect had come prepared with a stolen iron tire lever, which he used to batter the machine in an attempt to force it open. To ensure he remained unseen, he also smashed the booth's tube light, plunging the area into darkness to cover his tracks.
Cracking the Case: Beyond the Face
When investigators reviewed the internal CCTV footage, they hit a snag: the suspect's face was not clearly visible. However, the police did not give up. Under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Chiranjiv Nath Sinha, a joint team comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Mursan police shifted their focus from the face to the feet.
Detectives meticulously analyzed the footage, noting three critical details:
- The Gait: The specific manner in which the suspect walked.
- Foot Pressure: A noticeable difference in the pressure the suspect exerted on his left foot.
- The Footwear: A distinct pair of wide-strapped slippers.
The team expanded their search, scrutinizing every CCTV camera within a 300-meter radius of the crime scene to track the suspect's movements.
The Secret of the Left Foot
The investigation eventually led the police to a man named Sunny, a resident of Kila Madhaiya in Mursan. Upon further inquiry, the police discovered a vital piece of evidence: Sunny had previously worked as a confectioner in Nepal, where he had sustained a burn injury to his left foot. This injury explained the uneven pressure and the specific gait captured on the ATM's security cameras.
Matching this physical trait with the footwear evidence, the police detained Sunny on Sunday night.
A Motive Fueled by Addiction
According to Yogendra Narayan Krishna, the Circle Officer (CO) of Sadabad, the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation. Sunny revealed that he was struggling with a drug addiction and had attempted the burglary because he lacked the money to support his habit.
He admitted to stealing the iron tire lever from a local puncture repair shop to facilitate the break-in. Despite his efforts and the damage caused to the machine, he failed to actually open the ATM or steal any cash.
Police records indicate that Sunny is no stranger to the law, with multiple criminal cases already registered against him. Legal proceedings are now underway to ensure he faces justice for this latest attempt.