The Mahatma Phule Chowk police have dismantled a gang of five individuals, including two father-son pairs and a minor, allegedly involved in multiple house break-ins and thefts across Kalyan over the past few weeks.
Modus Operandi Revealed
According to the police, the main accused worked as housekeeping staff, while his associate, who lived in the same locality, performed odd jobs. Despite their poor economic backgrounds, both had a penchant for luxury items. They planned thefts and involved their sons to execute them, as per the initial probe.
Senior Inspector Baliram Pardeshi of the Mahatma Phule Chowk police station stated, “The fathers used to recce societies in nearby areas of Kalyan, track locked flats, and pass the information to their respective sons, who would then execute the break-ins. A minor friend of the boys, hailing from a poor family, was also inducted into the gang.”
Arrests and Investigation
The police stumbled upon the gang while investigating a house break-in complaint filed by a Kalyan resident on May 8. They arrested Kailash, the 19-year-old son of Bhalerao from Ambivli, along with Jadhav’s minor son and his friend. During interrogation, Kailash revealed the modus operandi, leaving investigators stunned by the fathers’ alleged role in pushing their sons into crime. Subsequently, Bhalerao and Jadhav were apprehended.
“The gang carefully made their way to buildings, evading suspicion and avoiding CCTV cameras. They carried basic tools to break open doors, quickly opened safes, stole ornaments and cash, and decamped. The stolen loot was sold through conduits, and the proceeds were often splurged on luxury items and daily indulgences,” said Pardeshi.
Recovered Loot
The recovered loot includes seven mangalsutras, two necklaces, and three gold bangles weighing nearly 18 tolas, collectively valued at around Rs 21 lakh. Further investigations are underway, the police added.
The minors have been sent to a remand home, while the fathers and the elder son have been booked for house break-ins. “We are also investigating their involvement in past cases and may explore if they could be booked for pushing minors to commit thefts,” said an official.
