The deaths of three people found inside a parked car near Delhi’s Peeragarhi flyover are now being treated as a case of planned poisoning, with investigators focusing on Maulana Kamruddin, a man earlier portrayed in several media reports as a “baba” or “tantrik”.
Police sources say this early narrative was misleading and diverted attention from the accused’s alleged criminal past, including earlier cases in which he was accused of killing associates by feeding them sweets laced with poison.
The victims i.e Randhir (76), Shivnaresh (40), and Laxmi Devi (40), were found dead inside a white Tata car on February 9 after a PCR call alerted police to three unconscious persons near the flyover.
No external injury marks were found on the bodies, leading police to initially consider suicide. However, families of the victims immediately rejected the theory and alleged murder.
“This was not suicide. My brother was called there and trapped. It was planned,” said Ram Naresh, Shivnaresh’s brother.
CCTV Footage and Evidence Point to Poisoning
During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage which reportedly shows Maulana Kamruddin sitting in the front seat of the car with one of the victims shortly before their deaths.
Investigators also recovered three liquor bottles and disposable glasses from the spot. Vomit was found near the mouths of Shivnaresh and Laxmi, strengthening suspicion of poisoning.
Post-mortem examinations found no visible injuries. Viscera samples of all three victims have been preserved for chemical analysis, and forensic reports are awaited.
A senior police officer said, “The investigation is at a sensitive stage. All scientific and digital evidence is being examined before any conclusion is drawn.”
Past ‘Poison Laddu’ Cases Resurface
Police records show that Maulana Kamruddin was earlier accused in at least two cases in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, where victims allegedly died after consuming sweets mixed with poisonous substances.
In both cases, he was arrested but later secured bail due to a lack of conclusive evidence. The trials are still pending, and no conviction has been recorded so far.
Investigators believe the Peeragarhi case may follow a similar pattern, in which the accused allegedly gained the victims’ trust before administering poison.
“He appears to follow a repeated method. That is why his past cases are being closely examined,” an officer involved in the probe said.
‘Baba’ Tag Hid Real Identity
From the first day, several media reports referred to the suspect as a “baba” or “tantrik”, giving the case a mystic or occult angle.
Families of the victims have questioned this portrayal, saying it hid his real identity and criminal background.
“He is not a baba. He is Maulana Kamruddin. Calling him a tantrik misled everyone,” a family member said.
Media observers have also raised concerns that the initial focus on superstition diluted the seriousness of the investigation and delayed scrutiny of his past.
Property Links and Financial Angle Under Probe
Police are also examining possible financial and property-related motives, as Randhir and Shivnaresh were involved in real estate work.
Call records, bank transactions, and communication history are being analysed to establish whether any disputes or monetary dealings played a role in the deaths.
Investigators are also probing whether the accused Maulana Kamruddin had financial interests linked to the victims.
Legal Status and Ongoing Investigation
Maulana Kamruddin has been taken into police custody and remanded for further interrogation. Officials said more arrests are possible after forensic reports are received.
A detailed chargesheet is expected once chemical analysis and digital evidence reviews are completed.
Police have also reopened files of earlier poisoning cases to examine possible links.
Families Seek Justice, Accountability
Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to demand a transparent and time-bound investigation.
“We have lost our loved ones. We don’t want rumours or false stories. We want justice,” said a relative.
They have also demanded accountability over what they describe as irresponsible early reporting that confused the public.
With forensic evidence pointing towards poisoning and investigators focusing on alleged role of Maulana Kamruddin, the Peeragarhi case is now increasingly being viewed as a case of premeditated triple murder rather than suicide.
Authorities say further action will follow after final reports are received.
