A 28-year-old man was arrested on Thursday in Gurgaon for allegedly posing as a prospective flatmate on an online housing platform. The accused, identified as Deepak Maurya alias Vikas Sharma, moved into a sublet flat in Sector 67A, drugged the co-tenant and his friend, and fled with their valuables. He also made unauthorised bank transactions worth Rs 5.8 lakh.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to police, the complainant had posted an online advertisement seeking a flatmate. The accused contacted him and visited the flat at Pyramid Urban Homes Society on May 21, completing all formalities using a fake identity. He moved in on the same day and, on the very first night, allegedly intoxicated the food of his flatmate and his friend. Once they lost consciousness, he carried out unauthorised withdrawals and transactions amounting to around Rs 5.8 lakh through their mobile phones and ATM cards. He then stole laptops, mobile phones, cash, ATM and credit cards, identity documents, and other valuables from the flat and fled.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The other flatmate filed a complaint at Sector 65 police station on May 26, following which Deepak was arrested. During questioning, police discovered that this was not his first offence. Deepak, a BA graduate from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, has a history of creating fake profiles on social media and online platforms to gain the trust of potential victims. “He would approach individuals looking for roommates or tenants, stay with them temporarily, and then drug them before stealing their belongings,” an officer said.
Previous Offences
Police also found that Deepak was involved in a similar offence in Gujarat, where a theft and cheating case was registered against him at Bhilad police station in Valsad district.
Recovered Items
From his possession, police recovered four laptops, eight mobile phones, 14 ATM and credit cards, two wristwatches, 15 SIM cards, intoxicating medicines, a driving licence, a PAN card, and around Rs 2.30 lakh in cash.
Further investigation is underway.
