New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Thursday arrested two women for allegedly conspiring to stage a fake Enforcement Directorate raid at the residence of RC Sabharwal, an 86-year-old retired senior architect, in New Friends Colony on February 11. The two women identified as Rekha Gupta and Pooja Rajput were apprehended after 24 hours of rigorous search.
According to Police, one of the women is Rekha Gupta is housemaid at the victim’s house and she hatched a plan with her sister-in-law, Pooja Rajput.
What Happened on February 11
On February 11, three people dressed in police uniform forced their way into the residence of RC Sabharwal. They claimed to ED officials, intimidated the family members and allegedly took their mobile phones and conducted rigorous search of the entire house. According to police, they fled away with cash around 3-4 lakhs, seven luxury watches.
The FIR was registered after 13 days on February 24 at the New Friends Colony Police Station under the relevent sections of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
How Delhi Crack the Case
According to Delhi Police, they looked over 350 public and private CCTV footages to track the suspects involved in the robbery. First, police traced them from New Friends Colony to Sarai Kale Khan, across Ghazipur, last location traced in Sector 4.
After identifying the vehicle’s registration number, police used mobile tower dump data and IMEI tracking to zero in on phone numbers that were active both at the crime scene and at the Vaishali parking spot.
The trail led investigators to the residence of Pooja Rajput. Local verification then revealed that the victim’s maid, Rekha Devi, was a regular visitor to the same address, pointing to an insider role in the crime.
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The Arrests
During a raid on February 25, police recovered a Deputy Commandant ITBP uniform, a wireless set, a fake ID card, the seven stolen luxury watches and jewellery.
Two women were arrested, Rekha Devi, 40, the victim’s housemaid and alleged main conspirator, and Pooja Rajput, 45, her sister-in-law.
Three More Accused on the Run
Police are now searching for three more accused, Prakash, a serving ITBP constable; Manish; and Updesh Singh Thapa, a retired army personnel. The car used in the fake raid is registered in Thapa’s name.
DCP South East Hemant Tiwari said the swift arrest was the result of persistent and coordinated efforts by the New Friends Colony police station team.
Further investigation is underway.
(With Inputs from ANI)
