A confidence trickster who posed as a spiritual healer to swindle an elderly woman and her daughter-in-law out of gold ornaments valued at approximately Rs 6 lakh has been apprehended after evading capture for four years. The suspect had entered their home in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, under the pretext of curing ailments with spiritual remedies, administered a sedative-laced drink, and fled with their jewelry. Extensive efforts by law enforcement have now brought the fugitive into custody following a chance identification in a neighbouring city.
The Deception at Durgapuri Colony
The crime unfolded inside a residence located in the Durgapuri Colony of Morena. In 2022, local resident Habib Khan formally lodged a criminal complaint at the Kotwali police station detailing the fraudulent incident. On that particular day, Habib Khan had travelled to Joura following the demise of his elder brother. In his absence, only his wife, Akeela Begum, and his daughter-in-law were present at the household, making them vulnerable targets for the visiting criminals.
Two men arrived at the door presenting themselves as Sufi mystics with special healing capabilities. Noticing Akeela Begum was unwell, they assured her that their remedies could completely cure her illness and dissolve an abdominal lump she had been suffering from. Convinced by their claims, both women complied with the men's instructions during an ostensible healing ritual, taking off all their gold ornaments. The collection of jewelry included eight earrings, four large ear loops, four rings, and two mangalsutras, alongside Rs 10,000 in cash. The perpetrators placed these items inside a small earthen pot before the victims' eyes.
Spiked Water and a Pot Filled with Pebbles
To conclude the alleged healing ceremony, the impostors offered water to both women. The liquid had been laced with an intoxicating substance, causing both the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to lose consciousness immediately upon drinking it. While they remained unconscious, the two men made off with the valuables and the cash. When the women finally regained consciousness nearly two hours later and eagerly opened the earthen pot, they discovered that all the gold was missing, replaced entirely with ordinary gravel and pebbles.
Fake Identity Cards and an Investigation on the Brink of Closure
The Kotwali police initiated an investigation following the report, but tracing the suspects proved exceptionally challenging. The mobile phone number used by the main suspect had been activated in Datia using forged credentials and fictitious identity documents. Due to the complete absence of actionable electronic or physical leads, the unresolved case file lingered for years, prompting investigators to prepare a closure report.
The closure docket was forwarded twice to the Superintendent of Police office for formal approval. However, the supervisory office identified deficiencies in the paperwork on both occasions and returned the case file for further scrutiny, which inadvertently kept the inquiry active and prevented the investigation from being officially abandoned.
Spotted Selling Gemstones in Gwalior
A breakthrough emerged unexpectedly on a Monday when Azad Khan, an acquaintance of Habib Khan, happened to visit the Gol Pahadiya locality in Gwalior. While browsing the area, he noticed an individual selling astrological birthstones and planetary gems. Azad Khan recognized him as the man involved in the 2022 fraud and alerted the police immediately. Acting swiftly on this vital tip-off, law enforcement officers reached the spot and detained him.
The suspect was formally identified as Sameer Pathan, hailing from Morna village within the Bhopa police jurisdiction of Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh. During his arrest, officers seized Rs 28,000 in liquid cash from his possession.
Search Underway for Accomplice and Receivers of Stolen Property
During interrogation, Sameer Pathan confessed that he had already liquidated the stolen gold ornaments to third parties. Police teams are currently attempting to track down the jewelers and intermediaries who purchased the illicit gold in an effort to recover the stolen Rs 6 lakh worth of jewelry. Simultaneously, specialized teams have launched search operations to locate his absconding partner, Mehboob Khan, who participated directly in the crime.
