The Crime Branch of Delhi Police arrested a dreaded criminal of Uttar Pradesh who had been hiding in Delhi in the guise of a tantrik. Umar Zahir Qadiri (64) was sentenced for life in a murder case in 1978 but escaped custody in 1996. later, he was declared a proclaimed offender in three other criminal cases by the UP Police.
He was nabbed from Anand Vihar ISBT on Friday when he was about to board a bus to Bulandshahr. A countrymade loaded pistol and a live cartridge were also recovered from his possession. His arrest came after a tip-off. During interrogation, Qadri revealed that as a tantrik, he had cheated several innocent women.
“He would ask them to bring endangered animals such as a turtle or a non-venomous two-headed snake. He would recite unintelligibly claiming they were magical words spoken. He would tell the women to undertake strange rituals which would fulfil their wishes of birthing a son, getting their daughter married or gain wealth,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav.
His mannerisms and appearance were enough to convince gullible women. He also claimed to have a cure for sexual ailments and had miracle cures for infertility. He would get Ayurvedic medicines at rock-bottom rates and charge exorbitantly from his followers. He told police that he learnt about healing from a hakim in Khurja.