In a shocking incident in Belagavi, a woman allegedly stole gold jewellery from her son-in-law's house to repay a loan. The Tilakwadi police on Friday arrested the woman and her accomplice and recovered stolen gold ornaments worth Rs 16.5 lakh.
Accused Identified
The accused have been identified as Ujjwala Kammar, 40, a resident of Siddheshwar Galli in Peeranwadi and originally from Mallanahalli in Chitradurga district, and Shivashankar Appayannavar, 30, a native of Madanbhavi in Bailhongal taluk, currently residing in Ganeshpur, Hindalga.
How the Theft Occurred
According to police, Ujjwala committed the theft with Shivashankar's assistance. Police said that her daughter and son-in-law had asked her to stay at their house while they attended a friend's wedding. During their absence, she allegedly searched the house and stole the valuables.
The theft came to light after the couple returned home and found the jewellery missing. The son-in-law subsequently lodged a complaint at Tilakwadi police station.
Investigation and Confession
Police said the accused initially attempted to portray the incident as a burglary by outsiders who had allegedly broken into the house. However, during the investigation, officers grew suspicious of the mother-in-law's role. After sustained questioning, Ujjwala reportedly confessed to the crime.
Recovery of Stolen Jewellery
During the operation, police recovered 110.4 grams of gold jewellery. The seized items included gold bangles weighing 49.9 grams worth Rs 7.4 lakh, a 10-gram gold ring valued at Rs 1.5 lakh, a gold necklace weighing 10.3 grams worth Rs 1.5 lakh, and another necklace weighing 29.1 grams valued at Rs 4.3 lakh, along with other ornaments. The total value of the recovered property is estimated at Rs 16,57,367.
Accused's Motive
Investigators said Shivashankar assisted Ujjwala in committing the theft and staging the scene to resemble an external house break-in. Police added that Ujjwala confessed she had committed the theft to clear her debts. The case is under further investigation.
