New Delhi: A 65-year-old man who used to rob people by befriending them and later lacing their food with drug has been arrested by the police.
The accused, Chander Mohan Gupta alias Vinod, used to first win the confidence of his victims and then offer them drug-laced food items or drinks before fleeing with their belongings, the police said. On the basis of a tip-off, Gupta was arrested near Fountain crossing, Chandni Chowk, while he was on the lookout for another victim.
He allegedly used to take advantage of his age to gain the confidence of people, said the police.
“He used to target people at government hospitals. Visitors to hospitals are usually hassled and he would show his sympathy and help them in a small way and offer them something to drink or eat,” said a senior police officer.
The accused was declared a proclaimed offender by the Saket Court in 2013 in a similar case registered at Safdarjung Enclave police station in 2011. He had jumped bail and didn’t appear before the court during trial proceedings, said Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police (Crime). “He told police that in January 2017, he had offered a man milk laced with sedatives at AIIMS hospital. After the man became unconscious, the accused allegedly stole his belongings, including two mobile phones, two ATM cards and Rs 40,000,” said Mr Yadav.
The accused confessed to the crime while interrogation and told the police that he has been involved in other similar cases. In September 2015, he had targetted a man whom he offered soft drink laced with drugs and later fled with his two mobile phones and some cash.
Two mobile phones, one ATM card and 30 tablets of Lorazepam (sleeping pills) have been recovered from him. The accused was previously serving in a private company. “Due to illness and differences with his family members, he was not staying at his residence for the last five-six years. He used to live in low budget lodges and guest houses. To pay rent, he used to either steal or sell stolen articles,” Mr Yadav added.
The police is now probing his involvement in other cases.
