The Delhi Police uncovered a novel style of theft orchestrated by Rajesh Kapoor, who managed to execute robberies at airports across India, boarding over 200 flights and traveling extensively within the country for over 100 days in 2023. This modus operandi came to light when multiple passengers reported significant losses of valuables from their luggage.
Kapoor’s arrest in Delhi’s Paharganj followed a meticulous investigation involving the scrutiny of CCTV footage from airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Amritsar. His method involved targeting passengers with connecting flights, particularly focusing on elderly and female travelers. Kapoor would observe their behavior, sometimes even obtaining details about the valuables in their luggage from baggage declaration slips.
The accused would strategically request seat changes to position himself near the targeted passenger, often pretending to adjust bags in the overhead compartments during boarding. He would then discreetly steal jewelry and other valuables while passengers were distracted.
To evade detection, Kapoor provided fake contact information during flight bookings, ensuring his phone number was registered under someone else’s name. Despite running a guest house and other businesses in Delhi, he managed to successfully steal from passengers at airports across the country, amassing a significant amount of stolen jewelry.
Kapoor’s arrest sheds light on a sophisticated form of theft within highly secured airport premises, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies.