Elderly Thief Held in Pahargunj; Cash and Dollars Seized

A 72-year-old woman has been arrested in Delhi's Pahargunj area after police seized Rs 1,85,500 in Indian currency and USD 2,600 from her. The arrest was made by a team from the Sangatrashan police post, which falls under Pahargunj police station in the Central District of New Delhi.

Police have identified the accused as Savita Gandhi, also called Saroj Gandhi, 72, who lives in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi. Records show 14 previous criminal cases against her. Police are still working to recover the stolen mobile phone, passport and visa documents.

The matter came to light on October 21, when a foreign woman filed an online complaint that her bag had been taken from a shop in Pahargunj. Among the items reported missing were a passport, visa documents, USD 2,600, Rs 2.50 lakh in Indian currency, three credit cards and a Samsung mobile phone.

To crack the case, a special team was constituted under SI SN Ojha, the Sangatrashan post in-charge. The unit comprised SI Sahil, woman SI Khaiko Asune, Head Constable Bhagirath, Head Constable Niranjan, woman constable Mohini Bharti and constable Lalit.

Investigators checked footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras across Pahargunj and nearby areas. Confidential information then helped them identify the suspect.

The team also consulted officers who had earlier arrested the accused and gathered details about where she was staying. Based on this, a raid was carried out in Uttam Nagar, leading to her arrest.

In questioning, the woman admitted her role in the theft of the foreign national's bag in Pahargunj. Police also found that she had recently come out of Tihar Jail. Officials said she allegedly relied on her advanced age to deflect suspicion.

An FIR has been filed at Pahargunj police station.