Ahmedabad, April 25 A 55-year-old woman accused of targeting elderly people living alone and robbing them has been arrested in Ahmedabad after an elderly man died allegedly from consuming buttermilk laced with sedatives, officials said on Saturday.
The Crime Branch has arrested Lataben, also known as Gulab and Lakadi Chauhan, from the Shahpur area in connection with the incident reported in the Dariapur area.
The case, initially treated as theft, has now been converted into culpable homicide following the death of Abdulbhai Sipai (81) during medical treatment.
According to officials, the accused gained entry into the elderly couple’s residence on the pretext of preparing meals or procuring groceries for them.
Investigators said she exploited their age and isolation to win their confidence before serving buttermilk mixed with sedative substances.
After the couple lost consciousness, she allegedly fled with around Rs 4,000 in cash.
“Due to the heavy dosage of the substance administered, Abdulbhai’s condition deteriorated, and he died during treatment,” a Crime Branch official said.
The official added that the nature of the offence changed following the victim’s death.
Police said the accused followed a consistent modus operandi, identifying elderly individuals or couples living alone and approaching them under the pretext of providing food.
“She would gain their trust by offering help with meals, and then administer drugged food items to render them unconscious before committing theft,” the official said.
The Crime Branch traced the accused using CCTV footage and human intelligence inputs.
“Based on specific inputs and verification of past offenders with similar modus operandi, a raid was conducted in the Shahpur area, where the accused was apprehended from her residence,” the official said.
Police records show that Lataben has a criminal history involving at least nine offences registered at various police stations in Ahmedabad, including Khadia, Kalupur, Shahpur, Ghatlodia, Vejalpur, Madhupura and Vadaj, with cases related to theft, house-breaking and gambling.
A case has been registered at Dariapur Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including Sections 105, 123, 329(2) and 303(2).
Police said further investigation is underway and urged citizens, particularly senior residents, to remain vigilant and avoid accepting food or assistance from unknown persons.
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