New Delhi: Delhi Police have arrested three people, including a former domestic helper, in connection with the alleged robbery of nearly ₹1 crore from an elderly couple in North Delhi’s Roop Nagar area. Police said the woman allegedly planned the robbery as an act of revenge after the couple dismissed her around three years ago for allegedly stealing ₹50,000 from their house.
According to the police, the former domestic helper had worked at the couple’s residence for nearly 15 years and was familiar with their daily routine, valuables and the places where cash and jewellery were kept. Investigators suspect that she passed this information to her son and his associates, who allegedly carried out the robbery.
The arrested accused have been identified as Saroj, a resident of Saboli Extension, her son Manoj alias Lala and Rajeev alias Ramu of Loni. Police recovered ₹2.08 lakh in cash, 250 British pounds, 160 US dollars and the scooter allegedly used during the crime. Efforts are underway to trace other suspects believed to be involved in the robbery.
Elderly Couple Held Hostage at Gunpoint
The incident took place during the intervening night of August 6 and 7. According to the complaint, Taresh Baisiwala told police that he woke up at around 3am to use the bathroom. After noticing that the water tank had run dry, he stepped outside to operate the motor.
Police said that at this point, four armed men allegedly entered the house and took Taresh and his wife Archana hostage. The attackers then allegedly broke open a cupboard and escaped with around ₹10 lakh in cash, gold and silver jewellery valued at approximately ₹90 lakh, and other valuables.
Before leaving, the suspects allegedly removed the digital video recorder connected to the CCTV cameras installed at the residence. Investigators believe this was done to destroy or remove evidence of their movements during the robbery.
Police Track Suspects Through Scooter
During the investigation, police identified three suspected associates as Ram Khiladi of Mathura, Deepak of Firozabad and Bheem alias Cheta of Mathura.
On the morning of August 9, a police team reportedly attempted to stop Ram Khiladi near the Madhav toll plaza in Mathura. Police alleged that he opened fire at the team after being surrounded. The police responded by firing two rounds, but the suspect managed to escape, taking advantage of darkness and heavy traffic.
Investigators subsequently focused on the scooter allegedly used in the crime. Examination of its registration details, mobile contacts and other records provided a crucial lead.
Scooter Link Leads Investigators to Former Helper
Police found a mobile number during the examination of the scooter and its associated contacts that was reportedly in communication with Ram Khiladi. Further verification showed that the scooter was registered in the name of a person identified as Navratan.
Investigators then examined Navratan’s mobile number and found that it was in contact with Saroj, the elderly couple’s former domestic helper. This connection prompted police to place Saroj under surveillance.
Police arrested Saroj late on August 20. During questioning, she allegedly disclosed that she had shared information about the couple’s cash, jewellery and family circumstances with her son Manoj alias Lala.
Investigators subsequently arrested Manoj and Rajeev. Police are now questioning the three accused to establish their individual roles and trace the remaining suspects.
Investigation Focuses on Missing Valuables
The police are examining financial transactions, mobile phone records, CCTV-related evidence and communications between the accused to reconstruct the planning and execution of the robbery. The recovered cash, foreign currency and scooter are also being examined as part of the investigation.
Investigators are also trying to determine how the alleged robbery team was formed, who provided logistical support and where the remaining stolen jewellery and valuables were taken after the incident.
Police said further arrests are possible as the investigation progresses. The role of the other suspects identified during the probe, including those allegedly involved in the planning, execution and disposal of the stolen property, is also being examined.
