Theft – Caretaker Arrested for Stealing Gold Worth Rs 7.75 Lakh in Mumbai
Theft – A 27-year-old caretaker has been arrested by the Jogeshwari Police for allegedly stealing gold jewellery valued at Rs 7.75 lakh from her employer’s residence just three days after starting the job. The police have recovered most of the stolen ornaments and are continuing further inquiries into the case.
Caretaker Held After Jewellery Goes Missing
The accused, identified as Sapna Nanakchand Chaudhary, had recently been appointed as a caretaker at a family home in Jogeshwari. According to police officials, the complaint was filed by Sheela Mali, a local businesswoman who operates an imitation jewellery store in Malad under the name Hot Fashion. She manages the shop along with her husband, Soham Mali.
The family had hired a caretaker after Sheela’s mother-in-law, Kanika Mali, underwent knee surgery and required assistance at home. The caretaker was expected to look after both the elderly woman and the children during the day.
Appointment Through Private Agency
Police said Sapna Chaudhary was recruited through a private placement agency, Shoumya Health Care India Company. A resident of Khar, she began her duties on February 14. Her work schedule was fixed from 9 am to 9 pm, and she was responsible for household care during those hours.
For the first two days, her work reportedly proceeded without any concerns. However, events took a serious turn shortly after.
Gold Ornaments Disappear from Cupboard
On February 16, Kanika Mali placed gold jewellery worth approximately Rs 7.75 lakh inside a drawer of a wooden cupboard in the house. The following day, the ornaments were found missing. The family immediately searched the premises thoroughly but failed to locate the valuables.
When Sheela and Soham Mali returned home around 9.30 pm that evening, they were informed about the missing jewellery. After checking the entire house and confirming that nothing else appeared disturbed, suspicion arose regarding possible internal involvement.
Suspicion Leads to Police Complaint
According to investigators, the caretaker was the only person present in the house during the day when the jewellery reportedly went missing. With no signs of forced entry or external intrusion, the family approached Jogeshwari Police Station to lodge a formal complaint.
Based on the information provided, the police registered a case of theft and initiated an investigation. Officers began questioning individuals connected to the household, focusing primarily on the caretaker.
Interrogation and Arrest
Sapna Chaudhary was detained for questioning soon after the complaint was filed. During the interrogation process, police sources stated that she admitted to taking the jewellery. Acting on this information, officers formally arrested her on Wednesday.
Investigators also conducted recovery operations based on details obtained during questioning. Most of the stolen gold ornaments have since been seized from her possession, officials confirmed.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are now examining whether the accused acted alone or had any external assistance. Authorities are also reviewing the role of the placement agency in conducting background verification procedures before assigning staff to households.
Officials have advised residents to ensure proper verification of domestic workers and caretakers through reliable agencies and local police registration processes to prevent similar incidents.
Further investigation in the case is underway, and additional details are expected as the inquiry progresses.