ISLAMABAD, Oct 1: An absconder operating a gang of auto-thieves was arrested by Margalla police for his alleged involvement in over 20 car-lifting activities, police said on Monday.

The absconder — M.A., a native of Batgram — was at large for the last three years and wanted by Aabpara and New (Rawalpindi) police.

In 2009, he was arrested for stealing five cars, including two Mehrans from Islamabad and a Honda City and a couple of other cars from Rawalpindi.

He was produced in the lower courts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi from where he succeeded to obtain bail and later disappeared after his release.

The police said that he submitted surety bonds for his bail, which were found to be forged, when the investigators tried to trace him through the documents.

The police at a checkpoint — by chance —intercepted him on suspicion, when the driver failed to produce documents. Besides, a pistol and a hashish bag weighing 1.1kg were also recovered from him, during the search of the vehicle.

In response, the police shifted the vehicle and the driver to the police station, where he was identified as the absconder.

During the investigation, it was further revealed that he replaced the registration plate of the Mehran, which he stole from Karachi Company on September 24.

At the time of the arrest he was making an attempt to take away the vehicle outside the city.

During interrogation the absconder, who is the ring leader of a gang, confessed of his involvement in auto-thefts in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura.

Eight cars were stolen from the capital city from the area of Aabpara, Kohsar and Margalla police limits, he added.

The police said that he was operating a gang for over five years.  The absconder was produced in the court of a magistrate from where he was given in police custody on a two day physical remand.