Delhi: Men Posing As Courier Agents Rob Elderly Couple Of Rs 4 Crore Cash, Jewellery

A retired scientist and his wife have become the latest victims of a daylight robbery in Prashant Vihar, Rohini, in northwest Delhi on Friday.

Five men posing as courier agents forcibly entered their home, held the couple at gunpoint, and decamped with approximately Rs 4 crore in cash and gold jewellery, reported the Times of india.

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According to police sources, the CCTV system installed in the house was not operational at the time of the incident.

Around 12:45 pm on Friday, the 81-year-old man heard some noise at the iron gate of their home. When he went to investigate, he encountered several men claiming to be there to deliver a package. After he opened the gate, they pushed him aside and forcibly entered the house.

One of the assailants covered the elderly man's mouth while another brandished a pistol, threatening to kill him and his wife if he cried out for help. The third assailant restrained the man's wife as well. The perpetrators bound the couple's hands, feet, and mouths with cloth.

The intruders demanded to know about the elderly man's son's cash, suggesting possible insider knowledge. They slapped him, threatened him, and warned him against making any noise or movement. One assailant stood guard with a knife, threatening to harm the couple if they resisted.

The robbers then ransacked the house, stealing around Rs 4 crore in cash and gold ornaments.

They also took cash belonging to the man's son, who was temporarily living with them. Before leaving, the men hid the couple's phones in the house and locked them inside, but they released the wife's hands so she could help untie her injured husband. They then called their son, who contacted the police.

Police have registered a case for robbery and dacoity under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

DCP (Rohini) Amit Goel stated that six police teams have been formed to pursue the robbers. Although there was a CCTV camera at the house where the robbery occurred, it was reportedly not working.

Sources indicated that the iron gate was left unlocked after the house help finished work that afternoon.

Police teams are currently analysing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify the culprits.

The calculated nature of the crime suggests potential insider involvement, prompting investigations into recent visitors and acquaintances.

The couple reportedly saved the money to purchase property, leading officers to explore whether this was an inside job.

Authorities are reviewing security arrangements, gathering witness statements, and investigating potential connections. The brazen nature of the crime has raised concerns among local residents, who have called for increased police patrols.

The police have assured the community of heightened vigilance and are collaborating with local residents' welfare associations to enhance neighbourhood security.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, Delhi was deemed the most unsafe metropolitan city for senior citizens in 2022, accounting for over 27% of all crimes against individuals aged 60 and above in urban areas.

In August, a 61-year-old retired IRS officer and his wife were attacked by a thief during a burglary attempt at their home in Vasant Kunj, southwest Delhi.