(IDEX Online) — Indian police have arrested a frequent flier suspected of stealing jewelry and other valuables from passengers’ carry-on luggage after boarding at least 200 flights last year.
Rajesh Kapoor, 40, allegedly exploited the commotion during boarding to open bags in overhead compartments, targeting elderly women and other vulnerable passengers. He reportedly changed seats to be closer to his intended victims.
Kapoor was arrested in the Paharganj area of Delhi and is currently in custody, police said at a press conference at Indira Gandhi International Airport. He is accused of selecting premium domestic flights, such as those operated by Air India and Vistara, and flying on 110 days last year.
Police used flight manifests and CCTV footage from Delhi and Amritsar airports to track Kapoor. They believe the thefts were to fund his gambling habit.
An alleged co-conspirator, a jeweler accused of helping Kapoor sell the stolen goods, has also been arrested.
