New Delhi: A 54-year-old woman, who had previously worked as a domestic help at the house, allegedly played a key role in a gunpoint robbery at the home of a 74-year-old businessman and his wife in North Delhi’s Roop Nagar last week. Police have arrested three people, including her son.The accused were identified as Saroj, her son Manoj (28) and his associate Rajeev (25). Police said Saroj had worked for around 15 years before being removed three years ago after she was allegedly caught stealing Rs 50,000.The complainant, Taresh Baisiwala (74), told police that around 3 am on Aug 7, he woke up to use the washroom and found there was no water in the tank. When he opened the main glass door to switch on the water motor, four armed men allegedly entered and held him and his wife, Archana, hostage. They ransacked the house and fled with Rs 10 lakh in cash, gold and silver jewellery, besides the CCTV DVR.DCP (North) Niharika Bhatt said they scanned CCTV footage and identified three suspects — Ram Khiladi, Deepak and Bhim. Police said Khiladi had five cases, including robbery, murder and theft, while Deepak had 15 cases in Uttar Pradesh, including robbery with murder, attempt to murder and burglary.After raids in Mathura, Firozabad, Mainpuri and Aligarh, police intercepted Khiladi near Madhavan Toll Plaza in Mathura. He allegedly opened fire at the police team, which retaliated. One of the two rounds fired by police may have hit his leg, but he escaped in the darkness and heavy traffic.Meanwhile, CCTV analysis led police to a scooter allegedly used in the robbery. Its registration and associated mobile numbers helped trace Saroj. Cops said one number linked to the scooter owner was in contact with Saroj, who was apprehended on Aug 20.During questioning, Saroj allegedly told police that she had shared details of the complainant’s wealth, family and valuables with her son Manoj alias Lala. Officers said Manoj, along with Rajeev and other associates, planned and executed the robbery.Manoj and Rajeev were also arrested on Aug 20, with Rs 2.08 lakh recovered from them. Police said Saroj knew about the cash and other valuables in the house and that the elderly couple lived alone.
