VARANASI, April 9 -- Ten alleged inter-state pickpockets were arrested by a joint team of Cantt Police Station and the Special Operations Group (SOG-1) on Wednesday, police said. According to police, the accused targeted people carrying cash from banks, ATMs and other institutions. They would throw edible items or dirty water on the victim and, on the pretext of helping, another gang member would steal the cash. Police said Rs.1.7 lakh and a four-wheeler used in the crimes were recovered from their possession. A police officer said those arrested include Jitendra Mishra ,38, Mrityunjay Kumar Singh ,50, Kunal Kumar Tiwari ,23, Raju Pandey ,22, Rajeshwar Tiwari ,25, Rahul Tiwari ,27, Suraj Tiwari ,22, Sanjay Tiwari ,40, Mukul Tiwari ,25, and Ricky Tiwari alias Aniket Tiwari ,35. Police also recovered a cheque book, a PAN card, an Aadhaar card, an Election Commission identity card, a State Bank of India ATM card, a health department card and the vehicle used in the incidents. Police said that on February 10, a Varanasi resident, Chanda Devi, had filed a complaint that unknown persons had stolen her bag containing Rs.7 lakh. A case was registered at Cantt Police Station under relevant sections of the BNS. Inspector Shivakant Mishra, station house officer of Cantt police station, said during interrogation it emerged that the accused operated as a gang. They would travel to different districts, stay in hotels and carry out recce of banks and ATMs. "After identifying a target carrying a large amount of cash, one member would throw food or dirty water on the person. Another member would then pretend to help and quietly steal the cash. The gang would then flee in their vehicle," he said. Police said the accused were arrested following a tip-off and further investigation is under way....