New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) - The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has successfully apprehended the mastermind behind a sophisticated cheating operation that preyed on vulnerable women in hospitals and temples across the nation's capital, as confirmed by officials on Friday.

The suspect, known as Paro (38), a resident of Bawana, had been on the run since 2023 and had been declared a Proclaimed Offender in two separate cases. She is linked to at least three cheating incidents reported at various police stations in Delhi.

Authorities revealed that the gang employed a systematic approach, specifically targeting unsuspecting women who seemed isolated or defenseless, particularly within hospital grounds and temple vicinities. The reported incidents spanned multiple locations across the city, indicating a well-coordinated criminal endeavor.

In one notable case, logged as FIR No. 99/2023 at the I.P. Estate police station, an accomplice had previously been apprehended; however, Paro, who was pivotal in orchestrating the crimes, managed to escape capture.

Recognizing the alarming trend, the Central Range of the Crime Branch was assigned the task of locating and capturing the ringleader of the operation. A specialized team was formed under the guidance of Inspector Vinay Kumar and overseen by ACP Satendra Mohan.

The investigative team undertook an extensive month-long probe, scrutinizing CCTV footage from nearly 50 sites, which included hospital and temple areas. Through persistent surveillance, technical assessments, and local intelligence, Paro was eventually tracked down and arrested on April 9 in Bawana.

Police disclosed that Paro and her accomplices would initiate interactions with potential victims under the guise of offering assistance or sharing personal anecdotes. They would then manipulate the victims psychologically, often instilling a sense of urgency or fear, warning them of impending misfortune or danger.

When the victim became sufficiently confused or disoriented, the suspects would deceitfully persuade them to relinquish their gold jewelry and valuables before fleeing.

In a specific incident on April 18, 2023, a woman at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital fell prey to a similar ploy, losing her gold jewelry.

Upon questioning, it was revealed that Paro had studied up to Class 8 and resided in jhuggi clusters in Bawana. She married in 2012 and has three children. Her husband is reportedly a habitual drinker, and financial struggles led her into criminal activities, ultimately becoming the leader of the gang.

Further investigation confirmed that she had been declared a Proclaimed Offender by a court at Tis Hazari Courts in November 2023 and had been evading capture since.

Authorities indicated her involvement in at least three cases, including FIR No. 99/2023 and FIR No. 84/2023 filed at I.P. Estate police station, as well as FIR No. 75/2023 at Mandir Marg police station, all under Sections 420/34 of the IPC.

Ongoing investigations aim to identify and apprehend her accomplices while probing her potential involvement in other similar crimes, the police added.