Exorcist, who killed two before robbing them, arrested
A 39-year-old exorcist was arrested on Friday for allegedly killing and robbing a woman and her son in the national capital, the police said. The incident occurred in North-East Delhi's Karawal Nagar on Wednesday night when the accused, Rahul, visited their house to perform a pooja. According to police, Rahul had performed several rituals in the victims' house in the last year.
CCTV footage helped identify the accused
The victims who were identified as Umlesh (56) and Ashok (29) were found dead in their house on Thursday morning, police said, adding the two stayed on the first floor of their house and ran a general store on the ground floor. During the investigation, Rahul was spotted in the CCTV footage, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North-East, Sanjay Kumar Sain said.
Accused was arrested from Ghaziabad
DCP said, the location of the victims' missing phones was traced near Indirapuri-Loni in Ghaziabad and Rahul was arrested. The accused told police that he got to know Ashok last year and performed several rituals for him. On Wednesday as well, he was there at Ashok's request, who was depressed because of some family clash and wanted a private ritual for its redressal.
Exorcist had been eyeing their jewelry
The accused was tempted by the jewels he saw in Ashok's cupboard. He deliberately organized the pooja at night, the DCP said. The exorcist spiked their water during the prayers, the officer said, adding that when Umlesh pointed to Ashok losing consciousness, Rahul told her that it was the effect of chanting and sent her downstairs to get something from their shop.
Lakhs of rupees in cash, mobiles and jewelry recovered
When the victim's mother returned to the pooja, she found that Rahul had strangulated Ashok. Hearing her scream, the exorcist strangled her as well using her dupatta. Later, he ran away with all the jewelry and cash, DCP said. The police has recovered five-six lakh rupees in cash, four mobile phones, and some jewels from his possession.
