Maid Plots Fake ED Raid on Elderly Architect in Southeast Delhi
In a shocking incident in New Friends Colony, southeast Delhi, a domestic help conspired with relatives and associates to stage a fraudulent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the residence of her 86-year-old employer, a retired architect. The elaborate scheme unfolded on February 11, leading to the arrest of two individuals and an intensive police investigation that spanned multiple states.
Details of the Fake Raid and Swift Police Action
Around 10 a.m. on February 11, three individuals dressed in police uniforms forcibly entered the home of the elderly victim, claiming to be ED officials conducting a search operation. They failed to present any warrant, authorization letter, or identity proof, immediately raising suspicions. The intruders allegedly intimidated the family, confiscated their mobile phones, and prevented them from seeking external help. They demanded that all cash and valuables in the house be handed over.
When a bag containing approximately Rs 10-12 lakh was provided, the suspects arranged the cash on the dining table, took photographs, and threatened the family with arrest. However, the victim's wife managed to discreetly contact her grandson, a lawyer affiliated with the ED, who confronted the group over the phone. This confrontation forced the suspects to flee in a car, taking Rs 3-4 lakh with them. A formal case was promptly registered with the police.
Investigation Unravels the Conspiracy
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari stated that a specialized team was formed under Station House Officer Rajender Kumar Jain to investigate the crime. Investigators meticulously analyzed over 350 CCTV cameras, stitching together footage to map the suspects' movements from the crime scene. The trail extended beyond Delhi, showing the vehicle passing through Sarai Kale Khan, crossing the Ghazipur border into Uttar Pradesh, and finally stopping at Sector 4 in Vaishali, Ghaziabad. The footage also helped capture the car's registration number.
Once the vehicle was located in Ghaziabad, technical surveillance methods, including mobile tower data and IMEI tracking, were employed. This identified mobile numbers active at both the New Friends Colony crime scene and the Vaishali parking location during the relevant times. The investigation led police to the residence of Pooja Rajput in Ghaziabad, where local intelligence confirmed that the maid, Rekha Devi, frequently visited, indicating an insider connection.
Arrests and Recovery of Evidence
During a raid on Pooja's house, police recovered incriminating evidence, including a deputy commandant's uniform and ID card, a wireless set box, jewellery, and a pistol with an expired licence. Interrogations revealed that Rekha Devi, 40, who had been working as a maid for the victim for two years, was the mastermind behind the plot. She shared the plan with her sister-in-law, Pooja Rajput, 45, who then involved her husband, Prakash, a constable in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Prakash recruited two additional accomplices: Updesh Singh Thapa, a retired army man, and Manish.
Rekha, hailing from Chamoli in Uttarakhand, reportedly provided detailed information about the household, including the number of residents and their daily routines. A police official noted, "She wanted to exploit the situation as the owner was elderly and had no help, seeing it as an opportunity to steal cash and valuables." On the day of the incident, Rekha alerted her associates, after which the three male accomplices arrived in Updesh's vehicle and entered the house. As part of the plan, Rekha remained inside, acting terrified to avoid suspicion while the group carried out the robbery.
Ongoing Investigations and Broader Implications
Police are currently verifying whether the complainant had conducted any prior background checks on the maid before hiring her. This case highlights vulnerabilities in domestic security and the potential for insider threats. The use of advanced surveillance techniques, such as CCTV analysis and mobile tracking, played a crucial role in cracking the case swiftly. Authorities continue to pursue the remaining suspects, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proper verification processes in preventing such crimes.
