AGRA, May 13 -- Police arrested three members of an interstate 'thak-thak' gang following a brief encounter on Monday. The gang has been active across several districts in western Uttar Pradesh, including Kanpur, Meerut, Ghaziabad, NOIDA, Mathura, Bulandshahr, and Agra. The gang is known for its distinctive modus operandi. Members distract motorists by tapping ('thak-thak') on the vehicle's window, creating a diversion that allows them to steal valuables such as purses, mobile phones, and other belongings. The stolen items are then sold at lower prices to finance the gang's travel, alcohol consumption, and other personal expenses. Each gang member plays a specific role in executing these crimes. Those arrested have been identified as Javed, Danish, and Sadiq, all residents of Meerut district. According to assistant commissioner of Police (ACP) Vinayak Bhosle of the Hariparvat circle under Agra Police commissionerate, police recovered seven mobile phones worth approximately Rs 4 lakh, illegal firearms, and a car from the accused. "The encounter occurred near a CNG pump close to Ekta Residency, within the jurisdiction of Hariparvat police station in Agra. When police signalled the suspects' car to stop, they responded by opening fire while attempting to flee. Police returned fire in self-defence, resulting in gunshot injuries to the legs of Javed and Danish," said ACP Bhosle. The injured suspects were taken into custody and admitted to hospital for treatment....