Mumbai: A startling case of theft has emerged from the upscale Tardeo area of Mumbai, where jewellery worth Rs 10.5 lakh was stolen from a private bungalow. The incident has sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, with police now turning their attention toward the family’s caretaker, who is the primary suspect in the ongoing investigation.
The complaint was lodged by Devika Panchal, a 40-year-old resident of a bungalow situated near Jaywant Industries. Panchal lives with her family and her ailing 70-year-old father, who is paralysed and requires constant care. To assist with his needs, the family had employed a young male caretaker whose duty was to look after the elderly man throughout the day and leave by 11 p.m. each night, as reported by Lokmat.
On the evening of August 9, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Panchal went to check on her father and noticed something unusual. The wooden cupboard in the room had been left open, clothes were scattered across the floor, and the drawer inside was ajar. Most alarmingly, the key to the cupboard, usually kept hidden and secure within, was lying outside, suggesting a deliberate breach.
Upon further inspection, it was discovered that several valuable pieces of gold jewellery were missing. These included a gold necklace, a chain, a ring, earrings, and bangles, collectively valued at Rs 10.5 lakh. The sudden disappearance of these items, paired with the visible signs of tampering, led Panchal to suspect foul play, as reported.
What made the situation more suspicious was the limited access to the room. On the day of the incident, only the caretaker and the brother of the housekeeper had been present in the house. However, it was confirmed that only the caretaker had entered the father's room. Based on this information, Panchal filed a formal complaint with the Tardeo Police.
The police have since registered a case and initiated a thorough investigation. Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the house and surrounding area to trace any suspicious movements. They are also conducting a background check on the caretaker, seeking to determine whether he has a history of criminal activity or connections to other thefts in the city.
