LUCKNOW, May 12 -- Police on Tuesday busted a family-run gang in Lucknow's Madiaon area here and arrested its five members, including two couples, who, in the guise of balloon sellers allegedly stole jewellery and valuables from passengers in e-rickshaws and shared tempos.

Police said the gang targeted women carrying handbags or wearing jewellery. The accused would blend in as daily wage earners and balloon sellers before striking during travel and escaping without raising suspicion.

"The arrests were made near Naubasta Mod following a tip-off. Those arrested have been identified as Jai Prakash alias Jackie, 29, his wife Anita, 24, Manoj Kumar alias Jatthu, 30, his wife Rajni, 26, and Ramwati, 26. All are originally from Haryana and Raj...