NEW DELHI: Police have arrested 72-year-old occultist Kamruddin for allegedly killing three people with poisoned laddoos on the Peeragarhi flyover. Investigators describe him as a habitual offender whose criminal activities spanned several years across Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
According to officials, Kamruddin preyed on vulnerable individuals by presenting himself as a “mystical healer” capable of solving personal, financial, and health problems. He allegedly exploited people’s desire for quick wealth and miraculous cures, promising “dhanvarsha” or sudden riches through ritualistic practices.
Trail of Deception in Uttar Pradesh
One of the recent cases dates back to May last year in Firozabad, where two men — Ramnath and his relative Pooran — allegedly fell victim to Kamruddin’s scheme. According to a complaint filed by Ramnath’s brother, the accused convinced them of his supernatural abilities and extorted money in the name of occult remedies.
When Ramnath later demanded his money back, Kamruddin reportedly invited the duo to his home on May 8, claiming he would help them uncover “hidden treasures” through special rites. Police allege he administered poison to them during this meeting.
Their bodies were found the next morning in a narrow lane, surrounded by laddoos, glass objects, and ritual items. Investigators believe Kamruddin may have duped them of nearly Rs 5 lakh.
Earlier Cases Under Probe
Police say Kamruddin’s criminal history stretches back to 2014, when he allegedly murdered a woman in Dholpur. Authorities are now probing his possible involvement in at least five other murder cases.
A father of seven, he had been living in Ghaziabad’s Loni area, where he practised occult rituals for over a decade. Visiting cards recovered from him advertised his “solutions for every problem,” projecting him as a healer and problem-solver.
Exploiting Greed and Faith
A senior police officer said initial inquiries suggested that people approached Kamruddin for healing services. However, further investigation revealed a darker pattern.
“He targeted people who were desperate for sudden wealth. He promised them ‘wealth showers’ and staged tricks to make it appear that money was magically appearing under a shawl,” the officer said. “These acts were designed to exploit greed and trap victims in his influence.”
The Peeragarhi Case
One of the victims in the Delhi case was Randhir, a 78-year-old property dealer from Baprola. He lived with his wife, daughter-in-law, and grandchild and was known in the neighbourhood as cheerful and generous.
Family members said Randhir earned around Rs 15–16 lakh a month from rental income and owned land near Chanchal Park, leased to a petrol pump. The family was preparing to inaugurate a newly constructed four-storey building worth about Rs 5 crore. He was also known for donating large sums to cow shelters.
Another victim, Shiv Naresh, had been working in Baprola as a contractor-turned-property dealer for over five years. Laxmi, a caregiver, had initially contacted Kamruddin seeking treatment for her husband’s heart ailment, bringing her into contact with the accused.
Legal Action
Police have booked Kamruddin under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder and poisoning. Investigators are continuing to examine his past activities to determine whether more victims may have fallen prey to his schemes.
Officials say the case highlights how blind faith, desperation, and greed were systematically exploited by the accused, leaving behind a trail of deception and death.
