Trusted like family, domestic workers drugged Hardoi merchant and wife, fled with cash: Police

Three domestic workers who were trusted like family drugged Hardoi merchant Pankaj Agrawal and his wife with sleeping pills on July 16, 2026.

The workers then stole eight bags of cash from an almirah and fled; the plot was masterminded by Ajay Shukla, brother-in-law of the merchant's accountant.

Hardoi police cracked the case nine days later, arresting 16 people and recovering ₹1.28 crore in cash.

The conspiracy stretched from Hardoi to Lucknow and involved domestic workers, drivers, daily wage laborers, and history-sheeters.