Ahmedabad Crime Branch has achieved a significant breakthrough in a disturbing case reported from the Dariapur area of the city. Lataben alias ‘Lakdi’ Chauhan, a habitual offender accused of targeting elderly individuals living alone, gaining their trust, and allegedly intoxicating them with drugs, has been arrested.
The case came to light after an 81-year-old man died following consumption of lassi allegedly laced with intoxicating substances provided by the accused.
According to details, Abdulbhai Ismailbhai Sipai (81), a resident of Dariapur, and his wife were allegedly befriended by Lata Chauhan, who posed as a helper. She reportedly entered their home on the pretext of assisting with household work and served them lassi mixed with sedative drugs. After the couple became unconscious, she allegedly stole valuables from the house. Abdulbhai’s condition deteriorated due to the effects of the intoxicant, and he later died during treatment.
During the Crime Branch investigation, Lata alias Gulab alias Lakdi Chauhan, a resident of Shahpur, was arrested, revealing her alleged criminal history. Police said she had a pattern of targeting vulnerable elderly people, building trust, and then committing theft by intoxicating them.
Officials also stated that she has at least nine prior cases registered against her, including theft and gambling-related offences. Investigators further noted that she was reportedly under financial pressure due to gambling debts, while her husband is also in jail in a murder case.
Police have now added charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the case and are investigating whether more elderly victims were targeted in a similar manner.