In a significant breakthrough, the Oshiwara police have apprehended a 40-year-old man from Virar in connection with a high-value burglary at a bungalow in Lokhandwala, Andheri (West). The accused allegedly made off with gold ornaments and cash totalling a staggering Rs 1.37 crore while the family was away on a New Year vacation to Goa.
The Heist: A Detailed Breakdown
The complaint was filed by 82-year-old Krishnakumari Singh, who resides in the two-storey bungalow on 2nd Cross Road with her son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. According to the First Information Report (FIR), her 53-year-old son and his family had departed for Goa on December 27.
The theft occurred between the night of December 29 and the early hours of December 30. While the main family was away, Singh and her daughter-in-law's parents were present in the house. After dinner, Singh retired to the second floor, and the guests slept in a first-floor bedroom. Two domestic helpers were asleep near the kitchen on the ground floor.
The accused gained entry through a bathroom window. He then targeted the bedrooms on the first floor, systematically stealing gold and diamond jewellery along with cash. The crime was discovered the next morning at around 7:30 am when Singh noticed an open bathroom window. A subsequent check revealed a broken window in the second-floor library and the missing valuables.
Investigation and Recovery of Stolen Goods
Initially, an FIR was registered for stolen property worth approximately Rs 45 lakh. However, when the family returned from Goa on January 7, 2026, and conducted a thorough inventory, the actual loss was assessed to be far greater. Senior Inspector Sanjay Chavan of Oshiwara police station confirmed the total value of stolen gold, diamonds, and cash at Rs 1.37 crore.
A special police team, leveraging technical evidence and surveillance, traced the accused to Virar. Upon interrogation, the man confessed to the crime. The police successfully recovered gold ornaments worth Rs 1.26 crore from his possession. Inspector Chavan stated that the accused has been involved in more than 10 other criminal cases in the city, and his role in those offences is under active investigation.
Ongoing Probe and Future Steps
The interrogation is continuing, as police suspect the involvement of other individuals. The name of the arrested accused has been withheld to avoid alerting other wanted suspects in the case, whom the police are actively trying to trace.
This arrest highlights the efficacy of coordinated police work in solving major property crimes in Mumbai. The recovery of a majority of the stolen valuables brings relief to the affected family and serves as a warning to criminal elements operating in the city.
