Chennai Police Nab Serial Burglar in Twin House Break-in Cases
In a significant breakthrough, the Chennai police have arrested a 50-year-old man for allegedly breaking into two locked houses in the upscale neighborhoods of Taramani and Thiruvanmiyur. The accused, identified as Anand from Raja Annamalaipuram, stands accused of stealing substantial quantities of gold jewellery and cash from the residences.
Details of the Taramani Burglary
The first incident occurred on January 23 at the home of Jayapratha, a 45-year-old resident of Pillaiyar Kovil Street in Kaanagam, Taramani. According to police reports, Jayapratha had securely locked her house in the morning after her husband departed for work and her son left for college. Upon returning in the evening, she was shocked to discover the door frame broken and the entrance wide open.
A thorough inspection revealed that a staggering 69 sovereigns of gold jewellery had been stolen from her cupboard. The missing items included an assortment of valuable pieces: 12 gold chains, three intricate necklaces, and three pairs of earrings. Distraught by the loss, Jayapratha immediately filed a formal complaint with the authorities.
Police Investigation and Breakthrough
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the crime wing of the Taramani police station registered a case and assembled a special investigation team. Officers meticulously examined CCTV camera footage from the vicinity, which proved crucial in cracking the case. The footage captured the suspect fleeing the scene on a two-wheeler, and police were able to trace the vehicle's identification details.
This lead directed them to Anand, who was subsequently taken into custody for questioning. During interrogation, Anand made a startling confession, admitting his involvement in another burglary case reported under the Thiruvanmiyur police station limits. In that instance, he had similarly broken into a locked house and made off with gold jewellery and a significant amount of cash.
Recovery of Stolen Property and Legal Proceedings
Following his confession, police conducted searches and successfully recovered 54 sovereigns of gold jewellery and ₹7.5 lakh in cash from Anand's possession. Additionally, authorities seized a mobile phone and the motor bike used by the accused to commit these crimes. The recovered items are believed to be linked to the Thiruvanmiyur burglary, while investigations continue to trace the remaining stolen property from the Taramani case.
Anand was formally arrested and produced before a magistrate court, where he was remanded to judicial custody. The police have emphasized that their investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on determining if the accused is connected to other unsolved burglary cases in the Chennai metropolitan area.
This arrest highlights the effectiveness of modern surveillance technology and diligent police work in combating property crimes. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and enhance home security measures, especially when houses are left unattended during the day.
