Triple deaths in car: Delhi cops scrutinise ‘godman’ with criminal antecedents; probe occult angle

New Delhi: Delhi Police is investigating a possible occult angle in the case in which the bodies of three persons were found inside a car near Peeragarhi flyover in northwest Delhi.According to sources, police have questioned 10 people, including a self-styled godman who was allegedly the last to be seen with the victims — Randhir (78), Shiv Naresh (47) and Laxmi (40) — before their deaths. Several criminal cases were previously registered against him.When police had reached the spot, they found Randhir in the driver's seat and Laxmi and Shiv Naresh in the rear seat. The passenger seat was vacant. Investigators are trying to ascertain if the ‘baba' had been seated there initially and exited the vehicle later.According to cops, the ‘godman' lives a ‘simple' life, has a family, and does not wear disguises or look like a typical baba. He claims to perform occult rituals and promises to multiply money, thousands into lakhs and lakhs into crores, they said. Police officers are checking if the victims approached him in connection with financial matters, and whether any ritual or meeting took place on the day of the incident.Investigators are also trying to establish if the suspected poisonous substance was administered by the ‘godman' or consumed by the victims on his advice. Police said at this stage, there is no conclusive evidence to determine whether it was a case of coercion, deception or a voluntary act."The ‘godman' has previous criminal antecedents and has been named in other complaints of a similar nature. Many of his clients died under suspicious circumstances or disappeared. However, in those cases, establishing his direct culpability proved difficult because of a lack of evidence, allowing him to evade strong legal action. His recent association with Randhir and Shiv Naresh is also under scrutiny," a senior police officer said.The victims' contact with the ‘godman' appears to have started only some time ago, he added. "They were in contact with not just one but several babas, all of whom are now under scrutiny as part of the probe," a police source said.Randhir's relative Mohit told TOI that less than a week ago, locals saw four-five unidentified ‘godmen' frequently visiting the property dealer's office around 1.30am, and even during the early morning hours.According to police, preliminary findings from the post-mortem indicate Randhir and Shiv Naresh consumed alcohol. Laxmi's family has not yet arrived in the city, and details of her post-mortem report are awaited."Laxmi was married twice. Her family was already acquainted with the ‘godman'. On the day of the incident, her husband saw her off as she left with Randhir and Shiv Naresh in the car to pick up the ‘baba'. Investigation is on to determine whether she played a role in introducing him to Shiv Naresh and Randhir," the officer said.Police are scanning CCTV footage from Baprola, from where the duo left to pick up Laxmi and the baba, and then the isolated spot in Peeragarhi. They are also trying to piece together the sequence of events inside the vehicle. All personal belongings, including jewellery and cash, were found intact, and the mobile phones of Laxmi and Shiv Naresh were recovered. Cops are focusing on the unexplained disappearance of Randhir's phone, and analysing call detail records and digital evidence to trace his last communications. They are also probing whether there was any monetary dispute.