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URL: https://indianexpress.com/profile/author/pragynesh-shashank/

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Pragynesh

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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More From Pragynesh

👁 Guru Randhawa’s gym

Guru Randhawa gym shooting: MCD worker’s son, former KFC employee nabbed

June 17, 2026 18:34 IST

Delhi Police Crime Branch arrests two men linked to Lawrence Bishnoi gang over Paschim Vihar shooting.

Wed, Jun 17, 2026
👁 bank manager arrested

4 accounts, Rs 67 crore: How Delhi bank official landed in massive cyber fraud probe

June 16, 2026 08:53 IST

Police said the deputy manager at a co-operative bank in Mayur Vihar bypassed KYC norms to facilitate mule accounts, adding that he has been arrested.

Tue, Jun 16, 2026
👁 jaipur polo ground-1

Jaipur Polo Ground sealed: ‘It has such a rich legacy of over 100 years’

June 14, 2026 11:48 IST

The viewing terraces were to be broomed, and a gigantic statue of the ‘noble horse’— carved with white stone and named ‘Rajesh’— overlooking the VIP sitting area, was to be dusted.

Sun, Jun 14, 2026
👁 FIRE BROKEOUT AT TUGHLAKABAD EXTENSION

Another fire in Delhi, 3 of family die in early morning blaze

June 13, 2026 10:20 IST

Local police personnel immediately rushed to the spot. Fire tenders, CATS ambulances and other emergency responders were also mobilised.

Sat, Jun 13, 2026
👁 Tughlakabad fire

Two years after father, son and daughter die in blaze at Delhi home

June 13, 2026 07:39 IST

As the door opened, thick smoke billowed out. Unable to breathe, they broke open two water tanks with stones and let the water flow into the building to reduce the smoke.

Sat, Jun 13, 2026
👁 Tughlakabad fire

Mother, son, sister gone: How a Delhi family was torn apart by a night fire

June 12, 2026 09:30 IST

Two women, from the same family, remain critical. Ground, first and second floors of five-storey building completely gutted.

Fri, Jun 12, 2026
👁 newsline-gangster-3col

Fled over a year back, grew his network in Georgia: Gangster behind BSP leader’s murder extradited

June 12, 2026 02:20 IST

Even as the police had zeroed on the suspected gangster behind the killing due to purported social media posts, the statements of the five shooters confirmed the name —  Vainkat Garg (29), an ally of Kapil Sangwan Aka Nandu, the notorious gangster based out of the United Kingdom.

Fri, Jun 12, 2026
👁 Guru Randhawa gym

‘You know Salman Khan’: Lawrence Bishnoi gang fires at Guru Randhawa’s Delhi gym

June 11, 2026 12:35 IST

A purported post on Facebook, from an alleged Lawrence group member, said Randhawa continued to be cordial with Salman despite multiple ‘warnings’.

Thu, Jun 11, 2026
👁 traffic-4col_20260610211349.jpg

On-duty traffic cop injured after being hit by speeding car in Southeast Delhi

June 11, 2026 02:44 IST

The victim was identified as Head Constable Rahul Kumar who was on duty at the Sarai Julena red light at the time of the incident, officers said.

Thu, Jun 11, 2026
👁 buidling-collpase-case-_20260610063411.jpg

Building collapse near Saket Metro station: Contractor hid in Dehradun, Manali; used ‘dumb phone’ to evade police

June 10, 2026 12:08 IST

Delhi Police nabbed two contractors, Manish Khatri and Avinesh Gupta, from Vasant Kunj on Tuesday

Thu, Jun 11, 2026
👁 Accused Dharmendra Sharma

How Delhi’s Ahuja family Canada residency plan through restaurant turned into a scam

June 09, 2026 12:11 IST

Richa and Prem Ahuja wanted a fresh start in a new country and approached an immigration consultant. He and his associates promised a business-linked pathway to Canada -- before siphoning off the couple's money.

Fri, Jun 12, 2026
👁 CJP-Protest-1_20260607012617.jpg

Cockroach Janata Party stir: How Delhi Police avoided confrontation, accommodated protestersSubscriber Only

June 07, 2026 06:56 IST

This accommodating approach of the Delhi Police was evident right from Abhijeet Dipke landed at the IGI Airport to Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site nearly 20 km away.

Sun, Jun 07, 2026
👁 cjp-1_20260607012540.jpg

At Jantar Mantar, anger over leaks, but also anxiety over jobs, inflation

June 07, 2026 06:56 IST

Triggered by irregularities in examinations such as the NEET-UG, the gathering brought together thousands — students, parents, working professionals and people whose concerns stretched well beyond medical entrance tests.

Sun, Jun 07, 2026
👁 Cockoroach Janta Party

‘Cockroaches on ground’: At first protest, CJP calls for Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit

June 06, 2026 18:41 IST

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who arrived at Jantar Mantar in the afternoon, described the gathering as "an appeal rather than a protest", saying the movement sought dialogue, not confrontation

Sun, Jun 07, 2026
👁 cjp (1)

At Jantar Mantar, Abhijeet Dipke says ‘can’t erase us’ — then ultimatum to Dharmendra Pradhan to resign

June 06, 2026 15:57 IST

The CJP founder gave Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan until 5 pm to resign, warning of week-long protests across cities and a return to Jantar Mantar next Saturday if the deadline passes.

Sat, Jun 06, 2026
👁 CJP

At CJP’s first protest, youngsters gather outside Parliament Street station, Delhi airport

June 06, 2026 10:19 IST

Cockroach Janta Party Abhishek Dipke founder is expected to arrive from Boston and march with a small group of core members to secure permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar.

Sat, Jun 06, 2026
👁 delhi fire

South Delhi hotel fire: He came from Dhaka for brother-in-law’s kidney transplant, died in blaze

June 06, 2026 09:14 IST

Back in Dhaka, Amin leaves behind his wife and three children. None of them could travel to India because only Robiul had a valid visa.

Sat, Jun 06, 2026
👁 Delhi Hotel fire

South Delhi hotel fire: He came from Dhaka for brother-in-law’s kidney transplant, died in blaze

June 06, 2026 08:56 IST

Amin was among the 22 people who died in the fire, while Hossain, Rahana, Zohra and her daughter sustained injuries.

Sat, Jun 06, 2026
👁 A building being bulldozed in Ghitorni

South Delhi hotel fire: 28 deaths in one week, illegal structures under MCD scanner

June 05, 2026 16:49 IST

Officials said that 82 properties have been demolished and 43 sealed as part of the citywide drive since June 1.

Sat, Jun 06, 2026
👁 Guzal

Kyrgyz son donated his liver to save his mother. Days later, they were killed in Delhi fire

June 05, 2026 11:05 IST

On Wednesday morning, Nargisa, Humayun, and Makhpirat were among the 21 people killed in the South Delhi fire.

Fri, Jun 05, 2026
👁 Habib Abid Express photo by Shreya Singhai

He came from Iraq to Delhi for his son’s surgery. Now he waits outside a mortuary

June 04, 2026 18:01 IST

Of the 21 killed, 12 were foreign nationals in Delhi either for medical treatment or accompanying family members undergoing treatment

Thu, Jun 04, 2026
👁 delhi fire hotel

‘They shut the hotel and left’: Panic grips Delhi’s Hauz Rani after deadly fire

June 04, 2026 14:14 IST

Following the fire, over 20 hotels and bed and breakfast facilities have shut their doors, leaving several guests stranded.

Thu, Jun 04, 2026
👁 malviya-nagar-fire-1_20260603151435_20260603222750.jpg

‘Didn’t wait for protective gear’: 10 policemen injured during rescue operation during Malviya Nagar fire

June 04, 2026 03:58 IST

Sources in the police said the fire started around 8.40 am from the ground floor of Flourish B&B, where its kitchen and cafeteria were located, and spread to other floors.

Thu, Jun 04, 2026
👁 Saket-fire-feature

Malviya Nagar fire: No fire NOC, B&B had 26 rooms against permit for 6

June 03, 2026 15:56 IST

Police sources said the fire started from the basement kitchen of Flourish BnB and spread to an adjacent hotel.

Thu, Jun 04, 2026