Boutique worker hatched plan, ward boys executed it
All arrested by midnight after quizzing the one nabbed by neighbours
LUDHIANA: A boutique worker along with three ward boys had hatched the plan to loot a Ludhiana financier to make some easy money.
But their dream to lead a luxurious life has left the financier and his wife dead, while landing the four in jail.
Sunil Gupta, 42, and his wife Neelam, 38, were killed during a robbery at their home in Dugri around 4.30pm on Friday.
One of the robbers fell off the roof in a bid to escape and was nabbed by the neighbours. He was identified as Sandeep Singh.
It was Sandeep’s interrogation that threw light on how the four hatched and executed the plan, and also led to the arrest of the remaining three.
Addressing the media on Saturday, police commissioner RN Dhoke said besides Sandeep (28) of Sunet village, Sonu Ali (27) of BRS Nagar, Raju Tiwari (30) of Chander Nagar, and Aman Masih (29) of New Chander Nagar were involved in the crime.
While Sandeep, Raju and Aman are ward boys at a citybased hospital, Sonu works at a boutique in Ghumar Mandi. The four came together through Sonu and Raju, who hail from Uttar Pradesh and are childhood friends. Aman belongs to
Gurdaspur district.
SONU WAS KNOWN TO THE COUPLE
“Neelam used to visit the boutique where Sonu worked. Sonu also used to borrow money from her husband,” said the police chief. “Sonu was aware that Sunil kept the money at his home. With an aim to make quick money, he met his three accomplices 12 days ago and decided to loot him.”
Sonu had earlier failed to return ₹40,000 borrowed from Sunil. A cheque that he gave bounced and a case was registered against him.
So it was left to Sandeep and Raju to conduct a reconnaissance. They visited the couple’s house and sought a loan. Sunil told them to bring some documents, following which they returned.
FINANCIER REFUSED TO GIVE LOCKER CODE The accused met again on Friday and decided to execute their plan. While Sandeep and Raju went inside the couple’s house with a .32 bore pistol, Aman waited nearby on a bike.
“After entering the house, they told Sunil to reveal the locker code,” said police commissioner Dokhe. “After he refused, Sandeep shot him and took ₹7,300 from his pocket. When Neelam heard the gunshots, she came out and was also shot dead. The accused then snatched her gold chain.”
While Sunil died on spot, Neelam died on way to hospital.
Following Sandeep’s interrogation, cops were able to arrest the other accused by midnight.
Besides the illegal .32 bore pistol used in the crime, three bullets, a bike and a scooter were recovered from them. The stolen gold chain and ₹7,300 were also recovered, said police.
The four have been booked under Sections 302 (murder), 397 (robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt), 449 (house trespass in order to commit offence punishable with death) and 34-B (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.