Collection Agent Arrested for Staging Rs 20 Lakh Theft

A 39-year-old collection agent named Anuj Deep Washerney and his female associate, Barkha Sharma, were arrested for allegedly staging a theft of Rs 20 lakh. Washerney concocted a story about an accident and missing cash, eventually admitting to the crime during police interrogation.

A 39-year-old collection agent was arrested for allegedly fabricating a story and orchestrating a theft of Rs 20 lakh to steal from his employer, officials said on Tuesday. Anuj Deep Washerney's female accomplice, Barkha Sharma (23), has also been detained as she had kept the stolen money, according to officials.

An official complaint was filed by a businessman dealing in telecom equipment about the theft of Rs 20 lakh by one of his employees, who was en route to deliver the money in Delhi's Azad Market, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Manoj Kumar Meena stated. Washerney, a resident of Rohini Sector-24, claimed that his scooter slipped and he fell. Local people helped him and moved him a distance away from his scooter, police said.

Later, Washerney told his employer that when he returned to the scooter, the cash was missing from the vehicle's dickey. The businessman subsequently lodged an online e-FIR. During the investigation, police noticed inconsistencies in Washerney's responses and false claims. CCTV footage from the area and the route he followed revealed no such incident. Upon sustained interrogation, Washerney confessed to the crime, stating he was dissatisfied with his job and earnings. The stolen money has been recovered, and Barkha Sharma (23) from Jagatpuri has also been detained for keeping the cash.

(With inputs from agencies.)