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.
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March 09, 2026 07:00 IST
What began as a small seizure in Lajpat Nagar in September 2025 allegedly uncovered a massive supply chain that ran from Roorkee’s pharmaceutical belt to Delhi’s wholesale markets and a Patna factory producing counterfeit drugs. The Indian Express unpacks the probe
Mon, Mar 09, 2026
March 03, 2026 05:15 IST
The bags, containing the body parts of Anroop Gupta — who was known for his love for gold jewellery — were later recovered from the river near Vrindavan on February 28.
Tue, Mar 03, 2026
March 02, 2026 05:00 IST
As the crowd swelled at the protest site, Shia clerics took to an elevated platform as "America Murdabad," "Netanyahu Murdabad" slogans rang through the air.
Mon, Mar 02, 2026
February 28, 2026 05:51 IST
Gupta’s comments were in reference to Kejriwal sobbing on camera after being discharged in the excise policy case.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
February 26, 2026 02:38 IST
Police said neighbours of the family alerted Samay Pur Badli police station about the murders. “The bodies of three girls and a woman were found with their throats slit by a sharp-edged weapon inside a ground-floor room of the house,” DCP (Outer North) Hareshwar Swami said.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
February 23, 2026 01:18 IST
Short circuit triggered blaze which was brought under control before cylinder blast re-ignited it: Officials
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
February 22, 2026 11:04 IST
Police say videos in their phones reveal they conducted recces in multiple states for alleged terror operations.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
February 19, 2026 00:37 IST
Asked to remain on bed rest for 3 months, refrain from driving for 6 more, sole earner of family worried about running the house
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
February 17, 2026 12:20 IST
They worked as daily-wage labourers while evading arrest for over two decades: Police
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
February 17, 2026 10:23 IST
Lokman Khan (35) said he suffered serious injuries after shrapnels pierced his stomach.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
February 14, 2026 09:39 IST
The officer said that though he has so far confessed to his involvement in six murders — spanning across three cases — there could be more victims.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
February 13, 2026 08:54 IST
Accused never used smartphone, memorised important numbers to avoid being traced
Fri, Feb 13, 2026
February 12, 2026 14:34 IST
On January 10, an elderly couple approached the Delhi HC to report a digital arrest that drained them of Rs 14.85 crore. What followed was an investigation that would help uncover a complex ‘digital arrest’ scheme that involved NGOs in three states, a series of mule accounts and over a year of careful planning.
Fri, Feb 13, 2026
February 12, 2026 10:56 IST
Police have added sections 285 (danger in public way) and 106 (death by negligence) of BNS against unknown people in the FIR.
Thu, Feb 12, 2026
February 10, 2026 09:32 IST
Godman they met before they were found dead questioned: Cops
Tue, Feb 10, 2026
February 10, 2026 09:31 IST
No proper safety arrangements, guards, warning signs or reflectors around the pit: FIR
Tue, Feb 10, 2026
February 07, 2026 12:11 IST
The FIR claimed there were no safety measures or no warning signs around the DJB pit, which led to the victim’s bike falling into it.
Sun, Feb 08, 2026
February 07, 2026 08:14 IST
The pit, dug on a service road between Joginder Singh Marg and the boundary wall of the Andhra Education Society School on Wednesday, was part of a DJB project to lay an underground pipeline.
Sat, Feb 07, 2026
February 07, 2026 07:49 IST
Even as there was no public statement from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, a senior government official said the minister concerned had responded and taken action.
Sat, Feb 07, 2026
February 06, 2026 14:54 IST
Tragedy occurs less than a month after software professional drowned in construction pit in Noida. ‘It is murder, not accident,’ says Arvind Kejriwal.
Sat, Feb 07, 2026
February 05, 2026 07:47 IST
Delhi Police Crime Branch has taken Al Falah Group founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui into four-day custody to question him over FIRs alleging Faridabad-based Al Falah University falsely claimed NAAC accreditation and offered degrees illegally.
Thu, Feb 05, 2026
February 02, 2026 06:12 IST
Along with Parvesh, five of his allies — Sachin Mann, Ajay Mann, Yudhveer, Sahil Dahiya and Gaurav Tyagi — were also convicted on January 28. Judge Chander Jit Singh sentenced the four — in jail since 2021 — to five-year imprisonment.
Mon, Feb 02, 2026
January 30, 2026 06:28 IST
Kajal was pregnant, brother says he heard her screams on phone
Fri, Jan 30, 2026
January 29, 2026 05:55 IST
Accused a Defence Ministry clerk, police say they had married for love in 2023, but quarrelled over money
Fri, Jan 30, 2026
January 24, 2026 05:50 IST
According to a complaint filed by Katyayani Enterprises, which is engaged in the business of distribution, marketing and sale of medical equipment, in 2021, it signed a contract with its supplier, Mumbai-based Medion Healthcare, to set up and supply 23 static oxygen generation plants at various MoD hospitals.
Sat, Jan 24, 2026




