Elderly couple drugged, robbers flee with gold

A three-member organised robbery gang, including a woman, allegedly posed as prospective homebuyers, rendered a retired Railway Department driver’s assistant and his wife unconscious, and fled with gold jewellery worth over Rs. 1.2 million, according to Dematagoda Police.

The stolen items reportedly include four gold rings and a pair of gold earrings.

The retired railway employee and his wife reside at the Maligawatta Railway Housing Complex.

Police investigations revealed that around two weeks ago, a woman believed to be around 40 years old, dressed in a salwar, visited the couple claiming she was interested in purchasing a house located on the floor above theirs. She had asked for a glass of water, chatted amicably for a short while, and then left.

The same woman reportedly returned to the house yesterday (24), saying the property owner and broker of the upstairs house would be arriving that day and that she wished to wait inside until they came.

After speaking with the couple for about 10 minutes, another man arrived claiming to be her husband, police said.

Shortly after, a young man arrived with another individual posing as a property broker. At that point, the man pretending to be the broker allegedly approached the complainant and covered his mouth with his hand. As the complainant struggled to breathe and tried to break free, the young man standing near the door allegedly took a white cotton-like substance from a bag and held it to the complainant’s nose.

The complainant reportedly became dizzy and collapsed to the floor.

Police said the man posing as the broker then removed the gold ring from the complainant’s finger. Despite being unable to stand due to dizziness, the complainant told police he was able to clearly observe the suspects’ actions.

The group then reportedly approached the complainant’s wife, who had been preparing lunch, and held the same white cotton-like substance to her nose, rendering her unconscious. After she collapsed, the suspects allegedly stole her earrings and gold rings before locking the front door and fleeing the scene.

Following a complaint lodged by the affected couple, Dematagoda Police have launched a broad investigation to arrest the robbery gang.