The Thane Crime Branch Unit One arrested two history-sheeters who allegedly broke into 14 shops and stole cash in the Naupada area of Thane in the early hours of March 12. The burglars were captured on CCTV footage from the shops. The accused have been identified as Mahant Kami (23), a watchman and resident of Mira Road, and Vishnu Kami (36), a watchman and resident of Ulhasnagar.
The police stated that they reviewed 90 to 100 CCTV clips from areas between Ulhasnagar and Mira Road. They also questioned hoteliers and auto-rickshaw drivers by showing them photos of the suspects. With the help of technical intelligence and local informers, the duo was apprehended on March 20. They were produced in court and remanded to police custody for further investigation.
According to the police, the accused had a specific modus operandi: one of them would break the shutters using screwdrivers and an iron rod, enter the shops, and steal valuables, while the other kept watch for any local activity. A total of nine cases have been registered against them across Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai. The police have recovered four mobile phones and cash amounting to ₹2.6 lakh, along with confiscating screwdrivers, an iron rod, and a bag from their possession.
During interrogation, the accused revealed the names of their accomplices: Laxman Singh and Mahesh Devkar, both residents of Mira Road. Further investigation is ongoing.
Of the 14 affected shops—including those of doctors, medical suppliers, and furniture retailers—most primarily conducted online transactions, minimizing their financial losses. The victims were alerted by locals, and upon arriving at their shops, they discovered that only cash had been stolen. They immediately informed the local police and registered an FIR. Preliminary investigations using CCTV footage showed the burglars searching for cash in drawers.
