Juhu Police: Arrest Two Housekeeping Workers in Senior Citizen Burglary Case
Juhu Police : have taken two housekeeping employees into custody in connection with a burglary at the Vile Parle home of a 76-year-old businessman, where valuables worth more than ₹5.3 lakh were stolen. Investigators say the accused exploited their familiarity with the residential area to plan and execute the crime while the homeowners were away.
Incident Reported After Family Returned From Trip
The burglary came to light after the victim’s family returned from a visit outside Mumbai. The complainant, a businessman who runs a rubber manufacturing enterprise, lives with his wife in a residential building in Vile Parle. The couple had traveled to Gujarat on January 1 to visit relatives, securing their apartment before leaving.
On January 8, their grandson visited the flat and discovered signs of forced entry. Household items were scattered, cupboards had been opened, and valuables were missing. The family was immediately informed, following which a police complaint was filed.
Method of Entry and Stolen Valuables
According to preliminary findings, the burglars gained access to the apartment by cutting through a window grille. Once inside, they searched the premises and removed diamond-studded jewellery and cash. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at ₹5.30 lakh, which included approximately ₹1.35 lakh in cash.
Police said the method of entry suggested prior planning and familiarity with the building’s layout. There were no signs of struggle, indicating that the flat had been unoccupied at the time of the break-in.
Investigation Leads to Arrests
After registering a case of housebreaking and theft, Juhu Police began analyzing CCTV footage from the surrounding area and collecting technical inputs. These efforts led officers to detain Shakti Shankar Mandal, a housekeeping worker, for questioning.
During interrogation, Mandal allegedly admitted his involvement in the burglary. He also revealed that he had carried out the theft with the help of another cleaner, Vijay Devendra. Based on this disclosure, police arrested Devendra shortly thereafter.
Background of the Accused
Police records show that Mandal has a prior criminal history, with more than three burglary cases registered against him. Officers believe his experience played a key role in executing the break-in.
Devendra, on the other hand, was employed as a cleaner in the vicinity of the victim’s housing society. His familiarity with the locality and knowledge of the residents’ movements are believed to have aided the planning of the crime.
Planned Roles During the Burglary
Investigators stated that Devendra allegedly informed Mandal that the apartment was locked and the occupants were out of town. The two then agreed on a plan, assigning specific roles to avoid suspicion.
As per police findings, Mandal entered the flat and carried out the theft, while Devendra stayed outside to keep watch and alert his accomplice in case anyone approached. This division of roles allowed them to complete the burglary without drawing immediate attention.
Motive and Recovery Efforts
During the course of the investigation, police learned that Devendra allegedly participated in the crime to arrange funds for his wife’s medical treatment. Authorities said this information emerged during questioning and is being verified as part of the ongoing probe.
Police have recovered a portion of the stolen jewellery and cash from the accused. Efforts are continuing to trace and recover the remaining valuables. Further investigation is underway to determine whether the suspects were involved in similar offences in the area.