In 1972, the bustling city of Chennai uncovered a shocking crime that not only spanned numerous states but also highlighted the crafty tactics of a cruel gang. Masquerading as customs officers, they targeted gold smugglers and hawala operators, manipulating the victims’ illicit transactions to commit severe murders and robberies. This gripping story reveals the cold blooded acts of deception, greed, and murder that stunned Tamil Nadu and India in the early 1970s.
The Suspicious Train Journey
On October 24, 1972, a man boarded a train from Chennai Central to Bangalore. Unbeknownst to him, two men posing as high ranking officials were closely following him. Their persistent stares made him uneasy, especially since he was carrying a bag filled with a large sum of money and gold biscuits. Convinced he was being followed, the man kept a tight grip on his bag until he reached Bangalore.
Once in Bangalore, he focused on his business, temporarily forgetting the mysterious men. However, at the bus stand, his anxieties came rushing back when he saw the same men, now accompanied by three others, dressed as customs officers.
Their true intentions became obvious when they blocked him, declared their suspicions, and took him into their car. What followed was startling: the gang injected him with a so called “truth serum.” Rather than eliciting confessions, the high dose resulted in his immediate death. The gang disposed of his body near a road in Andhra Pradesh, and his death triggered a chain of inquiries that uncovered a terrifying series of crimes.
The Investigation Begins
When the victim’s father-in-law reported him missing, the Chennai police initially struggled to uncover leads. The case was eventually assigned to the CB-CID (Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department). Investigators soon discovered that the victim, Thaika Thambi, was a gold smuggler.
During the investigation, they learned that an informer named Kadar had tipped off the supposed customs officials about Thambi’s activities. However, the officials turned out to be imposters a gang of criminals led by a medical shop owner named Vaitheeswaran.
The Modus Operandi of the Gang
This gang’s scheme began in 1970, targeting individuals involved in unlawful trades. They used fake IDs and uniforms to convince their victims that they were customs officers. Here’s how they carried out their horrific crimes:
1. Threat and Force: Victims were kidnapped under the guise of interrogation.
2. Deadly Injections: High doses of drugs, such as pethidine, were administered as “truth serums,” often resulting in death.
3. Body Disposal: The bodies were dumped in remote locations, often in Andhra Pradesh, to avoid suspicion.
Their first victim, Vadivullan Chettiyar, was force-fed sleeping pills and robbed of INR 1.5 lakhs. Although he survived initially, he passed away two days later in the hospital. With their next victim, Sahul Hamid, they refined their methods by using stronger drugs and removing identifying clothing.
Shocking Disclosures
As the investigation deepened, it became evident that the gang had targeted numerous victims, stealing over INR 3.5 lakhs and 40 gold biscuits in total. Their crimes didn’t stop at smugglers; they even murdered a real customs informant, Dakshinamurthy, when he became suspicious of their actions.
The gang comprised prominent members such as Dawood, Ayub Khan, and Gopal, who operated a well-organized network. They even relied on hotel staff for leads on wealthy individuals.
Justice Delivered
The relentless efforts of the police led to the arrest of eight gang members, including the leader, Vaitheeswaran. The case shocked Tamil Nadu as it exposed the gang’s cruel methods and the scale of their operations.
Four members were sentenced to death, though their sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment. Dawood and three others also received life terms. Venugopal, who turned approver, escaped punishment, raising questions about the justice system’s leniency in cases involving such horrific crimes.
Conclusion
The chilling saga of the fake customs officer gang is a stark reminder of how greed and deception can lead to unimaginable cruelty. It is also a testament to the determination of the CB-CID officers, who solved the case despite limited technology. This tale, deeply rooted in the 1970s, continues to serve as a cautionary story about the dangers of unchecked greed and the lengths criminals will go to cover their tracks
