12 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Occultist Arrested for Murdering Three, Stealing Cash After Ritual

Occultist arrested for murdering three people and stealing cash after ritual.

Photo by Julian Yu

Delhi Police arrested a 72-year-old occultist, Kamruddin alias Baba, for murdering three people by poisoning them and stealing ₹2 lakh in cash. The victims were Randhir, Shiv Naresh and Laxmi. The accused confessed to mixing poison in laddus offered to the victims as part of a ritual. The police discovered the crime after the victims' families raised suspicions. The accused has been booked in two similar murder cases in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Key Facts

Kamruddin alias Baba, a 72-year-old occultist, was arrested.

The victims were Randhir (76), Shiv Naresh (42), and Laxmi (40).

The accused confessed to mixing poison in laddus.

The incident came to light on February 8 after a call to Paschim Vihar (East) police station.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: Social Justice - Vulnerable sections of the population

GS Paper 3: Law and Order - Crime and its impact on society

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical

Visual Insights

Crime Locations: Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh

Map showing the locations where the accused, Kamruddin alias Baba, committed crimes. Includes Delhi where the recent murders occurred, and Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh where he is booked in similar cases.

Loading interactive map...

📍Delhi📍Rajasthan📍Uttar Pradesh

More Information

Background

The news highlights a case of crime linked to occult practices. Understanding the broader context of social issues and crime requires examining the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which defines various offenses and their punishments. The IPC, enacted in 1860, is the main criminal code of India. Occult practices often exploit vulnerable individuals, raising questions about the role of law enforcement and social awareness. Historically, such practices have been linked to social inequalities and lack of access to education and resources. The Constitution of India aims to address these inequalities through provisions like Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty). The investigation of such crimes involves various legal procedures, including the collection of evidence, forensic analysis, and witness testimonies. The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) provides the framework for these procedures, ensuring a fair trial and justice for the victims. The CrPC also outlines the powers and responsibilities of the police in investigating crimes.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased attention to crimes involving occult practices, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) collects data on various crimes, including those related to superstition and occultism. This data helps in understanding the trends and patterns of such crimes.

There is an ongoing debate about the need for specific laws to address crimes related to occult practices. Some argue that the existing laws are sufficient, while others advocate for new legislation to deal with the unique challenges posed by such crimes. The role of civil society organizations in raising awareness and providing support to victims is also crucial.

Looking ahead, it is expected that law enforcement agencies will continue to focus on investigating and prosecuting crimes involving occult practices. The use of technology and forensic science is likely to play an increasingly important role in these investigations. Efforts to promote education and awareness about the dangers of superstition and occultism are also expected to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about this occultist murder case that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the Prelims exam, remember these key facts: A 72-year-old occultist named Kamruddin alias Baba was arrested for murdering three people. The victims were Randhir, Shiv Naresh, and Laxmi. The method used was poisoning laddus. The stolen amount was ₹2 lakh.

Exam Tip

Focus on remembering the names, ages and amounts involved. These details are often tested in Prelims MCQs.

2. What is the role of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in the context of crimes related to occult practices?

The NCRB collects data on various crimes, including those related to superstition and occultism. This data helps in understanding the trends and patterns of such crimes in India.

Exam Tip

Remember that NCRB is the key organization for crime data; useful for both Prelims and Mains.

3. How does this case highlight the need for social reform and address superstition in Indian society?

This case highlights how vulnerable individuals can be exploited under the guise of occult practices. It underscores the need for increased awareness and education to combat superstition and promote rational thinking. Social reform efforts should focus on empowering citizens with critical thinking skills and promoting scientific temper.

Exam Tip

Connect such cases to broader themes of social justice and reform for Mains answers.

4. What sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) might be applicable in this case?

As per the topic, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines various offenses and their punishments. In this case, sections related to murder (culpable homicide), poisoning, and theft would likely be applicable. The IPC, enacted in 1860, is the main criminal code of India.

Exam Tip

Remember the IPC was enacted in 1860. Knowing the general categories of offenses is useful for the exam.

5. Why is this occultist murder case in the news recently?

This case is in the news due to the arrest of the 72-year-old occultist for allegedly murdering three people and stealing cash after a ritual. The incident highlights the persistence of occult practices and related crimes in contemporary society, prompting media attention and public concern.

Exam Tip

Be aware of the social context of such news for the Mains exam.

6. What are the recent developments related to crimes involving occult practices in India?

Recent developments include increased attention to crimes involving occult practices, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is actively collecting data to understand the trends and patterns of such crimes.

Exam Tip

Keep an eye on NCRB reports for statistics on such crimes; useful for Mains.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Penal Code (IPC): 1. The IPC was enacted in 1860 and is the main criminal code of India. 2. The IPC defines various offenses and their punishments. 3. The IPC is applicable to all citizens of India, regardless of their religion or caste. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All the statements are correct. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) was enacted in 1860 and is the main criminal code of India. It defines various offenses and their punishments (Statement 2). The IPC is applicable to all citizens of India, regardless of their religion or caste, ensuring equality before the law as per Article 14 of the Constitution (Statement 3).

2. In the context of the news regarding the occultist's arrest, which Article of the Constitution of India guarantees protection of life and personal liberty?

A.Article 14
B.Article 19
C.Article 21
D.Article 25

Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty. This article is relevant in the context of the news as the victims' right to life was violated. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, Article 19 protects certain freedoms, and Article 25 guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.

3. The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) provides the framework for: 1. Investigation of crimes 2. Collection of evidence 3. Ensuring fair trial Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All the statements are correct. The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) provides the framework for the investigation of crimes, collection of evidence, and ensuring a fair trial. It outlines the procedures to be followed by law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in criminal cases.