Meet The ‘Robin Hood’ Of Rajasthan; Delhi Police Arrests Fraudster For ATM Tampering In Karol Bagh

Delhi Police made a significant breakthrough in a case of ATM tampering in Karol Bagh, leading to the arrest of a man with an unexpected backstory. Rajender Kumar Meena, the alleged fraudster, was known as “Robin Hood” in his village of Neem ka Thana, Rajasthan, where he was recognized for his acts of financial assistance to neighbors in need.

The case unfolded on May 5 when a man reported to police that his ATM card had been swapped by an unknown person at a Kotak Mahindra bank in Karol Bagh, resulting in a loss of Rs 22,000 from his account. CCTV footage helped identify the suspect, described as a 5-and-a-half-foot middle-aged man in a blue shirt and a worn-out snapback cap. Police apprehended Meena near a CGHS dispensary in Karol Bagh the same day and discovered 192 ATM cards in his possession.

Meena’s modus operandi involved dressing as an elderly man to avoid suspicion and targeting ATMs in various Delhi locations. He would tamper with the ATM card slot using chewing gum, leading to the victim’s card being declined. Meena would then offer to help, swap the victim’s card with a fake one, and obtain their PIN. He would subsequently withdraw money from the stolen card at another ATM.

Meena’s criminal activities reportedly began in 2013 in Rajasthan, and he expanded to Delhi in 2019. He has been involved in multiple cases of ATM fraud in both states, leading to several incarcerations. Despite his criminal history, Meena claimed to use the ill-gotten money to assist villagers, funding marriages and infrastructure projects. His charitable actions were confirmed by villagers when police visited his hometown.

Neighbors in Neem ka Thana acknowledged Meena’s dismissal from the Army due to theft allegations but respected him for his philanthropy. Yogesh Kumar, a local, praised Meena’s contributions, noting his efforts in transforming muddy paths into concrete roads through personal investment in road construction materials.