Pragynesh is a Correspondent at The Indian Express in New Delhi. He is a specialized crime and urban affairs journalist, focusing on law enforcement, interstate criminal syndicates, and the evolving challenges of urban governance in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Professional Profile
Education: Masters in Political science from Calcutta University. Post graduate diploma in journalism from Asian College of Journalism
Career Path: Pragynesh joined The Indian Express as a reporter covering the Delhi city beat, quickly specializing in crime and investigative reporting. His career has been defined by on-ground coverage of the Delhi Police, transport regulations, and high-profile cyber-fraud investigations.
Expertise: His reporting is deeply rooted in crime and investigations, with a secondary focus on urban infrastructure and transport policy. He is particularly noted for his "cold case" tracking and his ability to dismantle the mechanics of modern cybercrime syndicates and digital arrest scams.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025)
His recent work highlights critical investigative reporting on organized crime, public safety, and administrative enforcement:
1. Crime & Investigations
"Cambodia link, Chinese nationals: How gang of 10 carried out digital arrests and online investment fraud" (Dec 19, 2025): A major exposé on an international cyber-syndicate operating in South Delhi, detailing the sophisticated methods used to dupe Indian citizens.
"Cab drivers killed, cars sold in Nepal: Killer arrested after 25 years on the run" (Nov 29, 2025): A gripping long-form report on the arrest of a notorious 1990s highway gang member who had been living under a fake identity for over two decades.
"Rs 30,000 fines cleared for Rs 200: How fake sticker-extortion racket ran for 15 years in Delhi" (Dec 13, 2025): An investigative piece revealing how a syndicate blackmailed traffic officials to run an illegal extortion ring at Delhi’s borders.
2. Urban Governance & Transport
"On Day 3 of enforcement drive, less non-BS VI compliant vehicles on road; peak hours remain a hassle" (Dec 21, 2025): Real-time reporting on the impact of Delhi’s pollution-control traffic curbs and the logistical challenges faced by commuters.
<p...
January 09, 2026 06:18 IST
Police also said a female social media influencer has been summoned for questioning after 10 influencers were identified for allegedly spreading rumours that the mosque had been demolished.
Fri, Jan 09, 2026
January 05, 2026 06:36 IST
In a status report filed before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore’s Health Department has said that four persons died after consuming contaminated water. However, Indore municipal authorities have put the death toll at 10.
Mon, Jan 05, 2026
January 04, 2026 08:08 IST
Indore Water Contamination: Following a high-level meeting with CM Mohan Yadav on Friday, MC officials across Madhya Pradesh have been directed to ensure "proper maintenance of water supply systems, continuous monitoring of water quality, and timely detection of pipeline leakages”.
Sun, Jan 04, 2026
January 01, 2026 06:20 IST
“In 2026, we will continue Op CyberHawk on a regular basis intensively. We have seen a massive surge in money recovery and arrests, whenever such coordinated operations are undertaken,” Srivastava said.
Thu, Jan 01, 2026
December 29, 2025 08:00 IST
For over a decade, a crime syndicate ran a parallel system of fear, recording and coercing traffic police across the Capital. This is their story.
Mon, Dec 29, 2025
December 27, 2025 08:14 IST
Further, the probe has found that multiple fake firms – at least three – were set up in the names of rickshaw drivers in South India and were later used to move the drugs. Court records revealed that over Rs 73 lakh was moved through hawala transactions.
Sat, Dec 27, 2025
December 23, 2025 19:25 IST
Police said Ritik Bajaj was one of the key suppliers of Virender Basoiya aka Veeru, the Dubai-based businessman allegedly funding the cartel’s operation. He was brought back from Dubai.
Wed, Dec 24, 2025
December 22, 2025 14:58 IST
IGI Airport police officials said they will be reviewing the complaint and will take a call on it after consultations with senior officials.
Tue, Dec 23, 2025
December 21, 2025 12:28 IST
As traffic police personnel continued frenetic checks for vehicles flouting norms, the congestion worsened, especially when officers stopped a vehicle for inspection.
Sun, Dec 21, 2025
December 21, 2025 07:22 IST
The civil aviation ministry has ordered a formal probe after an Air India Express pilot allegedly assaulted a passenger at Delhi airport, prompting the airline to remove the pilot from duties.
Sun, Dec 21, 2025
December 20, 2025 08:23 IST
On Friday, at a CNG pump just opposite the police booth at Kapashera border checkpoint that leads into Delhi from Gurgaon, tempos, autorickshaws, and taxis queued up to get their tanks filled. While earlier, the drivers used to be ready with cash or card as soon as they entered the pump, they now wait with […]
Sat, Dec 20, 2025
December 19, 2025 07:00 IST
Overall, 460 vehicles were ordered to return from the borders after being found non-compliant with BS-VI norms.
Fri, Dec 19, 2025
December 19, 2025 05:15 IST
The matter came to light after police received a complaint from a businessman who was allegedly duped of Rs 1 lakh in a digital arrest scam in South Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh.
Fri, Dec 19, 2025
December 18, 2025 05:15 IST
Operators part of same syndicate, say police
Thu, Dec 18, 2025
December 18, 2025 03:30 IST
he incident occurred on Monday when Satnam and her husband Rajendra Singh were riding a scooter near Jagatpuri after offering prayers at a gurdwara.
Thu, Dec 18, 2025
December 15, 2025 06:45 IST
'Many more fraudulent enrolments can't be ruled out': BCI panel in its report
Mon, Dec 15, 2025
December 14, 2025 08:00 IST
Police claimed the family was deep in debt, running into lakhs, and owed money to 40-50 people
Sun, Dec 14, 2025
December 13, 2025 09:21 IST
Sources in the Delhi Police said the accused claimed they blackmailed traffic police officers with purported clips showing them taking bribes.
Sat, Dec 13, 2025
December 12, 2025 05:45 IST
The CISF man, who was part of a wedding procession, allegedly shot the boy after he rushed to pick up some currency notes that were flung into the air by wedding guests
Fri, Dec 12, 2025
December 11, 2025 15:50 IST
Shopkeepers at the Chandni Chowk market in Delhi report a significant drop in business, particularly due to the absence of foreign tourists, after the Red Fort blast on November 10.
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
December 11, 2025 05:05 IST
Intensified surveillance systems, stronger police deployment in place a month after Red Fort blast
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
December 09, 2025 04:45 IST
Five members of the family, holidaying in Goa since December 2, were dining at the nightclub, Birch By Romeo Lane. Vinod’s wife Bhavana was the only one who survived – Vinod managed to guide her outside before collapsing himself.
Tue, Dec 09, 2025
December 08, 2025 12:50 IST
Delhi Police arrested the accused and claimed he is linked to 14 cyber fraud cases, with the duped amount running into crores, on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal
Tue, Dec 09, 2025
December 07, 2025 08:00 IST
On December 2, the Delhi Police arrested three men for running an interstate cyber fraud syndicate that duped job seekers with fake overseas employment offers.
Sun, Dec 07, 2025
December 07, 2025 06:18 IST
The police officers soon reached the spot and took the girl to a nearby hospital for medical examination. It was found that the incident happened after the accused took the girl to a room and locked it from inside, officers said.
Sun, Dec 07, 2025




