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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September 28, 2024 10:43 IST
The police said that the relatives and neighbours of Heeralal Sharma told them that his wife had passed away from cancer about a year ago
Sun, Sep 29, 2024
September 28, 2024 05:24 IST
Talking to The Indian Express, Dr Agrawal said that both are thankless jobs. "The motivation would never come from appreciation, as both are taken for granted. The motivation for police should be what it is for the dabbawalas.
Sat, Sep 28, 2024
September 26, 2024 04:30 IST
According to police, the accused kept video calling the victim on WhatsApp, claiming she was under digital arrest till the CBI made their way to nab her.
Thu, Sep 26, 2024
September 24, 2024 06:08 IST
After Pillay transferred the said amount, the lawyer stopped picking up his call. Police said the money trail showed the bank account was of a Mumbai resident.
Tue, Sep 24, 2024
September 20, 2024 02:55 IST
The family has filed a complaint at the Karawal Nagar police station against the police personnel.
Fri, Sep 20, 2024
September 14, 2024 04:36 IST
The CCTV camera footage outside the gym showed Shah talking to another person when the attackers walked up to him, showering bullets the entire time
Sat, Sep 14, 2024
September 13, 2024 05:46 IST
The Crime Branch, meanwhile, wrote to the Delhi government’s health department Thursday requesting prosecution sanction against the accused persons in the case.
Fri, Sep 13, 2024
September 12, 2024 03:40 IST
“The other man seen firing in the video, Tanish, and another accused, Sangam Chahar, were arrested Wednesday. The fourth accused, Aadil, is still on the run and we are looking for him,” DCP (Shahdara) Surendra Kumar Chaudhary said.
Thu, Sep 12, 2024
September 12, 2024 02:00 IST
During questioning, Faisal mentioned the name of another accused, Avanish Kumar (47), who was to join him in selling the heroin in Govindpuri. "Faisal had traveled from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi with Avanish to supply the heroin," an officer said.
Thu, Sep 12, 2024
September 08, 2024 02:45 IST
Another participant of the drive is Pooja Devi, 30, who has been living at the shelter home for the past seven months with her six children.
Sun, Sep 08, 2024
September 07, 2024 04:47 IST
The incident came to light after a PCR call was received in this regard around 12 pm at the police station concerned, the officers added.
Sat, Sep 07, 2024
September 05, 2024 03:56 IST
On Monday, a tenant raised an issue and Godraj was trying to address it. Enraged that his grandfather was talking to the tenants, Suraj's son Pradeep got into an argument with him.
Thu, Sep 05, 2024
September 01, 2024 04:53 IST
The participants included 30 probationary judges, 30 public prosecutors, 32 IAS and DANICS probationers and around 30 police probationers alongside other invitees.
Sun, Sep 01, 2024
August 31, 2024 06:25 IST
The case was among six others of cyber fraud that the Delhi Police cracked recently following which 18 people were arrested from different parts of the country after week-long raids.
Sat, Aug 31, 2024
August 30, 2024 05:55 IST
Delhi Minister Gahlot expressed concern saying that the bus was only four years old and the incident would be investigated
Fri, Aug 30, 2024
August 29, 2024 03:26 IST
Immediately after he accepted the request on July 28, he got a video call from the same account — a woman could be seen undressing. “I immediately cut the call,” he recounted.
Thu, Aug 29, 2024
August 29, 2024 03:13 IST
The incident occurred on Monday when the girl's father fell ill and Sharif, a regular at their house, asked her to accompany him to the market, said police.
Thu, Aug 29, 2024
August 26, 2024 15:24 IST
When the Delhi Police asked the bank, it said it had fired Dhan Singh Rajput for being involved in fraudulent activities.
Tue, Aug 27, 2024
August 25, 2024 03:39 IST
As per govt estimates, over 600 complaints of cyber crime have been reported across the country daily since 2021 and crores siphoned off.
Sun, Aug 25, 2024
August 25, 2024 03:23 IST
Umesh Chandra Naithani, SHO of the cyber police station in Noida’s Sector 36, said only two things are needed to execute such frauds — a SIM card and an account number.
Sun, Aug 25, 2024
August 20, 2024 06:40 IST
Police, meanwhile, have registered a case against the building owner under section 106 (death due to negligence) of BNS.
Tue, Aug 20, 2024
August 18, 2024 04:15 IST
At AIIMS, the OPD was shut with only a few doctors around. Diagnostic services and lab reports remained halted as well.
Sun, Aug 18, 2024
August 15, 2024 21:02 IST
NCC wasn’t popular among girls until recently but now they are being selected for Republic Day Parade and Thal Sainik Camp, said a sports teacher
Thu, Aug 15, 2024
August 15, 2024 03:55 IST
CCTV footage near the ghat showed Yash with another boy, a 10-year-old neighbour. Police officers said the case could be that of accidental death, adding the other boy could have got scared after watching Yash drown and ran away.
Thu, Aug 15, 2024
August 13, 2024 05:43 IST
Local police said 1,500 CCTVs cameras were installed across affected villages after the first murder FIR was filed. For the rest of 2023, sugarcane fields became synonymous with terror in the region.
Wed, Aug 14, 2024



