Mumbai Police Nab Autorickshaw Driver in High-Value Bungalow Burglary Case
In a significant breakthrough, the Mumbai police have apprehended an autorickshaw driver, identified as Mohammed Shaikh (25), from the Shivaji Nagar area of Govandi. He stands accused of orchestrating a daring burglary at a senior citizen's bungalow in Vile Parle (East), where jewellery and valuables estimated at a staggering Rs 41 lakh were stolen on January 19.
Modus Operandi: A Precise Timing Exploit
According to police reports, the criminal operation was executed with chilling precision. The three-member gang allegedly targeted the Pathare Bungalow during a narrow window between 6:35 PM and 7:00 PM. This timing coincided precisely with the brief absence of the homeowners. Pravin Pathare (63), a share trader by profession, had stepped out to a local tea stall on Hanuman Road, while his wife left the premises to purchase milk.
Upon returning approximately thirty minutes later, the wife was met with a scene of disarray. She discovered the locks of both the main entrance and an internal safety door forcibly broken. The interior of the bungalow had been thoroughly ransacked. In a state of alarm, she immediately contacted her husband.
"At 7:15 PM, my wife called me and informed me that our house had been burgled," stated Pathare in his formal police complaint. "I rushed home and conducted a check, only to find that gold ornaments and other valuable items, collectively worth around Rs 41 lakh, were missing from our iron cupboard."
Investigation and Arrest: The Digital Trail
The investigative team left no stone unturned, meticulously analyzing more than 100 CCTV footage clips. This digital trail spanned from the vicinity of the Pathare Bungalow all the way to Shivaji Nagar, ultimately leading them to the suspect, Mohammed Shaikh. Following his arrest, authorities successfully recovered eight tolas of the stolen jewellery from his possession.
During subsequent interrogation, Shaikh reportedly confessed to his involvement in the burglary. He admitted to committing the crime alongside two accomplices, who remain at large. A police search operation is currently underway to locate and apprehend these two individuals.
Criminal Background and Ongoing Probe
Further revelations from the police investigation shed light on Shaikh's alleged criminal history. Prior to his involvement in this high-stakes house break-in, he is claimed to have engaged in petty crimes on local trains, including pickpocketing and mobile phone thefts. This arrest marks a significant escalation in his reported illicit activities.
The case underscores a bold pattern of criminals exploiting brief moments of homeowner absence. The Mumbai police continue their probe, focusing on apprehending the remaining gang members and recovering the entirety of the stolen valuables.
