Two Cleaners Arrested for Stealing Valuables Worth Rs 5.3 Lakh from Juhu Businessman's House
In a shocking incident in Mumbai's upscale Juhu area, two cleaners have been arrested by the Juhu police for allegedly stealing gold ornaments and cash worth Rs 5.3 lakh from the residence of a businessman. The theft occurred when the homeowner, a 76-year-old man named N Patel, and his wife were away in Gujarat for work.
Details of the Theft and Arrest
The accused have been identified as Vijay Devendra, 34, and Shakti Shankar Mandal, 30, both residents of the Nehru Nagar area in Juhu. Devendra works as a cleaner in a residential apartment in Juhu, while Mandal is employed as a cleaner at an NGO. According to police reports, the incident took place on January 8, 2026, when the Patel family was out of town.
The family, involved in the rubber production business, had left for Gujarat on January 1. Sensing an opportunity, the accused climbed the backside wall of the bungalow located on Road No. 6 in the JVPD scheme in Juhu. They broke open the door and stole cash, gold, and silver ornaments from a cupboard in the first-floor bedroom.
How the Crime Was Uncovered
The theft came to light when the family returned on January 8 and discovered the broken door and missing valuables. They immediately filed a complaint at the Juhu police station. The police swiftly acted by checking CCTV footage from the building and its vicinity, which confirmed the incident occurred on January 8.
Using the footage, the police circulated photos of the suspects with their informants. This led to crucial clues, and both accused were arrested on Wednesday. During interrogation, Devendra revealed that he needed money for his wife's illness, which motivated his involvement in the crime. Mandal, on the other hand, was the mastermind who planned the theft and stood guard outside the door.
Recovery of Stolen Items
Assistant Police Inspector Ranjit Chavan of the Juhu police station confirmed that the police have recovered some of the stolen booty. The investigation is ongoing to trace the remaining valuables. This case highlights the vulnerabilities in residential security, even in affluent neighborhoods like Juhu, and underscores the importance of vigilance and robust security measures.
The arrest of the two cleaners serves as a reminder that crime can stem from unexpected quarters, and law enforcement agencies are leveraging technology like CCTV to crack down on such incidents swiftly.
