Armed men hold woman, 56, hostage, loot Rs 75 lakh in cash, jewellery in Delhi

The woman told police that the robbers threatened her with a knife, tied her hands and legs and taped her mouth. The accused allegedly threatened to kill her and harm her twin daughters if she informed anyone about the robbery.The woman told police that the robbers threatened her with a knife, tied her hands and legs and taped her mouth. (Photo: ITG)Four armed men allegedly barged into a house in northwest Delhi’s Ashok Vihar on Wednesday afternoon, held a 56-year-old woman hostage and fled with around Rs 75 lakh in cash and jewellery, police said. The incident took place in Ashok Vihar Phase-1 when the woman was alone at home.According to the preliminary investigation, the accused had allegedly been waiting for her at the gate and forced their way inside when she was about to leave for some work. Two of the men reportedly remained on the apartment's stairs.The woman told police that the robbers threatened her with a knife, tied her hands and legs and taped her mouth. She also sustained minor injuries during the incident. The accused allegedly threatened to kill her and harm her twin daughters if she informed anyone about the robbery.The robbers remained inside the house for around 20 minutes and searched the premises before escaping with cash and jewellery, police said. Investigators suspect that the accused had prior information about the family. The woman told police that the robbers knew about her twin daughters, where they worked and even about her son, who died around two years ago. The daughters run a business in Chandni Chowk, while their father, Manoj, operates a fastener manufacturing business in Wazirpur village.The jewellery allegedly stolen in the robbery had been purchased for the weddings of the twin daughters. Police received a PCR call around noon and a team from Ashok Vihar police station reached the spot. A case of robbery has been registered and several teams have been formed to identify and arrest the accused.Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the locality to trace the movements of the suspects. Police are also probing how the accused obtained such detailed information about the family. A source said the suspects may have conducted reconnaissance of the area before carrying out the robbery.Police are also examining reports that the men had asked a neighbour for water in the locality before the crime, which could provide clues about their movements.The local residents’ welfare association has also begun reviewing security arrangements in the area.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Aug 20, 2026 17:27 IST