Delhi Police Crime Branch Apprehends Female Kingpin of Major Cheating Racket After Three-Year Manhunt
The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has successfully dismantled a sophisticated cheating racket with the arrest of its elusive female mastermind, who had been evading law enforcement for nearly three years. The accused, identified as Paro, was captured in the Bawana area on April 9 following an extensive and meticulously planned operation.
Proclaimed Offender in Multiple Cases
Paro had been officially declared a proclaimed offender in two separate criminal cases and was a prime suspect in at least three major cheating incidents registered at the I.P. Estate and Mandir Marg police stations. Her prolonged evasion of arrest had posed a significant challenge to authorities, highlighting the complexity of the investigation.
Modus Operandi Targeting Vulnerable Women
Police officials revealed that the gang specifically preyed upon women who appeared alone or vulnerable in public spaces, particularly hospital premises and temple areas. The accused would approach potential victims under the guise of offering assistance or sharing personal experiences, gradually employing psychological manipulation to gain their trust.
In numerous instances, victims were deceived through the creation of a false sense of imminent danger or impending bad luck. Once the psychological groundwork was established, the accused would allegedly steal gold ornaments and other valuable possessions before swiftly fleeing the scene.
Detailed Investigation and Technical Surveillance
A dedicated team from the Crime Branch conducted a thorough investigation, analyzing CCTV footage from approximately 50 different locations. By combining technical surveillance methods with actionable local intelligence, authorities were able to pinpoint Paro's whereabouts and execute her arrest in Bawana.
One notable case involved a woman targeted at LNJP Hospital in April 2023, where she was cheated out of her gold jewellery using this identical method. Police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other absconding members of the gang and to verify Paro's potential involvement in additional similar cases across the region.
Parallel Case: Tech-Enabled Extortion Gang Busted
In a related development highlighting diverse criminal methodologies, the Delhi Police arrested four members of a separate, technology-driven gang in East Delhi on March 29. These individuals were impersonating recovery agents and extorting money from vehicle owners by accessing EMI data through a mobile application.
The accused, identified as Prince, Shivam, Teetu, and Aakash—all residents of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh—were apprehended by a team from Shakarpur Police Station following a detailed investigation. Their scheme involved using a mobile application called the "Easy Recovery App" to track vehicles with pending EMIs. They would then intercept owners on busy roads, posing as authorized recovery agents from financial institutions.
The case came to light after an incident on March 26 near ITO on Vikas Marg, where the accused allegedly wrongfully restrained and assaulted a victim, coercing him into transferring Rs 18,000 online. Following a formal complaint, police analyzed CCTV footage and digital evidence, leading to the identification and arrest of the four individuals.
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they utilized a white Maruti Suzuki Brezza without a license plate to avoid detection during their criminal activities. Police have recovered five mobile phones and the vehicle used in the offences, marking a significant breakthrough in combating organized financial crime in the capital.
