The Delhi Police have arrested a 30-year-old man whom they have called the ‘Robin Hood burglar’ as he stole from the rich and helped the poor in his village in Bihar, where he is allegedly considered a ‘hero’.
He also managed to lead a lavish life, drove luxury cars and wore fancy clothes.
Irfan alias Ujala, a native of Sitamarhi village in Bihar and a resident of Jamia Nagar in Delhi, was arrested on July 6 from his home town.
‘Hero’ of his village
The accused told the police that he had been holding health camps in Sitamarhi to help those who couldn’t afford a check-up.
“He came to Delhi four years ago and for the last two years, he had been organising eye-care and general health-care camps in his village,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East) Romil Baaniya.
The police said that Irfan maintained a larger than life image in his village, wearing expensive clothes and driving luxury cars. He also splurged on his girlfriend who, the police said, is a Bhojpuri actor.
“He was living a luxurious life with access to the latest cars and fashionable clothes. Pictures on social media reveal the lavish lifestyle of the burglar,” said the officer.
Irfan claimed that he once gave ₹10,000 to a Delhi club just to hear the song of his choice, the police said.
He also told the police that after coming to Delhi in search of employment, he opened a small shop in Bawana where he used to sell clothes. Later, he started committing theft to make quick money.
Bare-foot criminal
The police said that Irfan used to commit theft bare-foot as it reduced noise and increased grip on the floor. “The modus operandi was to roam in the night in posh colonies of Delhi and NCR. Once he found a locked premises, he broke open the door or window and stole valuables,” said Mr. Baaniya.
Police were able to catch Irfan with the help of CCTV footage from areas where he had committed a burglary in 2016. The footage gave the police a clear picture of the accused.
“He claims to have committed theft in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab as well. We are looking into other cases where he may be involved,” said the officer.
