In a shocking case that has exposed the brutal methods employed by vehicle theft gangs in the national capital, a Hindu e-rickshaw driver, Akash, was allegedly drugged, robbed and ultimately killed by a gang that targeted e-rickshaw operators for their vehicles. The incident occurred in Delhi’s Mangolpuri area, where police have now arrested three accused identified as Zakir alias Sultan, his brother Asif, and their cousin Yousuf alias Bhure. Investigators say the trio systematically preyed on e-rickshaw drivers, offering them drinks mixed with intoxicants before stealing their vehicles and valuables.
According to police, Akash, a resident of Mangolpuri, left home on October 26 for his regular work route between P-Block Mangolpuri Red Light and Sultanpuri. His family became concerned when his mobile phone became unreachable around 5 p.m. On October 27, police received information regarding an unconscious man lying in the area. He was identified as Akash and rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where doctors attempted to save him. However, he later succumbed to his condition.
Police Investigation Uncovers Planned Criminal Modus Operandi
The subsequent investigation revealed that the accused allegedly approached e-rickshaw drivers and offered them cold drinks laced with sedatives or intoxicating tablets. Once the victim lost consciousness, the gang would steal the vehicle, mobile phone and other belongings before fleeing. Police believe the same technique was used against Akash, making him another victim of a larger criminal operation targeting working-class drivers across Delhi.
After Akash’s death, Delhi Police launched an intensive inquiry, examining CCTV footage, reconstructing the victim’s movements and analysing technical evidence. These efforts eventually led investigators to Zakir, who was arrested from the Jafrabad area. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted that he and his brother had been selecting e-rickshaw drivers as easy targets and incapacitating them through drugged beverages before stealing their vehicles.
Ten Stolen E-Rickshaws Recovered
The investigation did not stop with Akash’s case. Police recovered ten stolen e-rickshaws, including the vehicle belonging to the deceased driver, along with forty-seven tools and implements allegedly used by the gang. Investigators stated that the recovered vehicles had been stolen from different areas across Delhi, indicating that the accused were operating a city-wide racket rather than committing isolated thefts.
Police allege that after stealing the vehicles, the accused would alter registration numbers to conceal their identity. The e-rickshaws would then be handed over to Yousuf alias Bhure, who allegedly rented them out for financial gain. This arrangement enabled the gang to continuously profit from stolen vehicles while making recovery difficult for law-enforcement authorities.
Accused Had Prior Criminal Links
Investigators disclosed that Zakir had previously been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, while Yousuf had also faced earlier police action. Authorities are now examining whether the accused may have been involved in additional cases involving drugging and robbing transport workers across the city.
A Family Breadwinner Lost to a Ruthless Crime
The death of Akash underscores the vulnerability of ordinary working-class citizens who depend on daily earnings to support their families. What began as a routine workday ended in tragedy after he allegedly encountered individuals who saw his modest livelihood as an opportunity for criminal profit. For investigators, the recovery of ten stolen e-rickshaws suggests that Akash’s death may have exposed a larger network of crimes that might otherwise have remained hidden
With all three accused now in custody, police continue to investigate the full scope of the racket and whether additional victims were targeted using the same drug-and-robbery method that allegedly claimed the life of Akash.
