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 14, 2025 05:12 IST
The police said they have identified more than 300 sensitive locations and are keeping an eye on every situation using drones and by monitoring CCTV cameras.
Fri, Mar 14, 2025
March 13, 2025 11:51 IST
The bodies of an elderly couple and their live-in help were found inside their flat in Vasant Vihar. A few pieces of jewellery were missing but cash was largely untouched. The entry to the house was friendly. The Mathurs had no known enmity with anyone. So, who would have wanted them dead?
Sat, Mar 15, 2025
March 09, 2025 02:45 IST
Ahead of International Women's Day, Delhi court orders aid of Rs 20 lakh to the acid attack victims.
Sun, Mar 09, 2025
March 08, 2025 04:34 IST
According to data from Ukhrul’s district office, the time it took for people to access and avail of government services physically has been reduced by over 40% due to digitisation.
Sat, Mar 08, 2025
March 07, 2025 04:30 IST
One of the most frequently seized items has been Kechaoda mobiles – tiny devices that work as phones due to their superb sound quality and reception in small-to-medium ranges.
Fri, Mar 07, 2025
March 06, 2025 04:30 IST
“Permission was obtained on material misrepresentation and concealment of facts under the Saral Scheme. After a showcause [was issued], and based on the reply and other facts, the permission so obtained has been cancelled,” an MCD spokesperson said.
Thu, Mar 06, 2025
February 27, 2025 06:10 IST
Pathak would leave his office on a scooter with a bag of cash every day to hand it over to factory owner Ravinder Jain at Shalimar village, they said, adding that the accused were aware of Pathak's post-work routine.
Thu, Feb 27, 2025
February 26, 2025 15:29 IST
Zoya Khan, who is gangster Hashim Baba’s wife, has been arrested over the murder of businessman Sunil Jain in Delhi as well as in a drug-peddling case.
Wed, Feb 26, 2025
February 25, 2025 05:15 IST
The Patiala House court has granted the Special Cell three-day custody of Zoya
Tue, Feb 25, 2025
February 22, 2025 05:20 IST
The gangs came under scrutiny after two cases of cellphone theft were lodged at Chandni Chowk and Gulabi Bagh in January
Sat, Feb 22, 2025
February 21, 2025 03:19 IST
Once the scheme hit the maturity period, police said, Inderjeet didn’t return the money -- around Rs 80 lakh -- to investors and absconded.
Fri, Feb 21, 2025
February 20, 2025 14:39 IST
The Karawal Nagar MLA's induction into Delhi Cabinet is being seen as “completion of his integration” into BJP fold; he had been accused of inciting Delhi riots through “inflammatory speeches”
Thu, Feb 20, 2025
February 20, 2025 03:23 IST
Earlier in the day, tankers, with capacities ranging from 3,000-10,000 litres, were sprinkling water on the ground. “Kareeb 20,000 seat lagegi. Bohot log aane waale hain (We have set up 20,000 chairs. A lot of people are expected to come),” said a worker on the ground.
Fri, Feb 21, 2025
February 17, 2025 03:55 IST
Some were on their way home to other states, others were going to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh -- these were the 18 who died in the stampede at New Delhi railway station on Saturday. The Indian Express speaks to some of the families who lost their loved ones.
Mon, Feb 17, 2025
February 16, 2025 09:44 IST
At Delhi's Lok Nayak hospital, senior leaders, including Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and former Chief Minister Atishi, arrived to take stock of the situation.
Mon, Feb 17, 2025
February 10, 2025 20:54 IST
On Monday evening, a Crime Branch team, led by inspector Sunil Kalkhande, was in the Jamia Nagar area to arrest the accused Shavez Khan, and had successfully taken him into custody.
Tue, Feb 11, 2025
February 09, 2025 10:04 IST
Among the minority communities, nine candidates secured seats, with five from the Sikh community and four from the Muslim community.
Sun, Feb 09, 2025
February 08, 2025 17:11 IST
On February 23, 2020, in a controversial speech, Mishra threatened to remove those protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Jaffrabad. The next day, riots had broken out in Northeast Delhi.
Sun, Feb 09, 2025
February 08, 2025 04:44 IST
Police had registered an FIR in the matter on September 19. The girl’s parents, in the FIR, claimed she told them about the incident only on September 16 after they questioned her on hearing her use words like ‘god promise’.
Sat, Feb 08, 2025
February 07, 2025 06:07 IST
The police identified the deceased as Akshay Kashyap. His 26-year-old brother Abhishek Aman, who allegedly shot him in the head, rushed Akshay to the Safdarjung Hospital and then fled. While Akshay succumbed during treatment, Abhishek, a history-sheeter, was arrested, they said.
Fri, Feb 07, 2025
February 06, 2025 05:40 IST
New Delhi is perhaps the most heated battle in this Capital contest, as Delhi’s former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal goes toe to toe with Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit (son of former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit) and BJP's Parvesh Sahib Singh (son of Delhi’s former CM Sahib Singh Verma).
Thu, Feb 06, 2025
February 05, 2025 14:28 IST
Polling agents of Congress and AAP in Shalimar Village also alleged that names of some people were missing from the voter list.
Wed, Feb 05, 2025
February 04, 2025 06:19 IST
The Indian Express spoke to local residents after the star campaigners – Union Home Minister Amit Shah, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra – held their last rallies on Monday.
Tue, Feb 04, 2025
February 04, 2025 05:50 IST
Accusing Kejriwal and former deputy CM Manish Sisodia of “drowning” the youth in liquor — both have been jailed in connection to the excise policy case — Shah said that none of the promises made by AAP have been fulfilled.
Wed, Feb 05, 2025
February 03, 2025 09:29 IST
Illegal Bangladeshi In Delhi: Chasing the deadline by the L-G Secretariat to act against illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country, policemen are busy scanning inhabitants – Bangla-speaking or otherwise -- of jhuggi clusters to identify their suspects.
Mon, Feb 03, 2025





