Palghar Police Nab Two Men in Gold Jewellery Theft Case Targeting Senior Citizen
In a shocking incident in Palghar district, police have apprehended two individuals for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated gold jewellery theft from a senior citizen woman. The accused, identified as Dhiraj Rajaram Rathod (40) and Dinesh Hiralal Solanki (42), are reported to have stolen gold items valued at approximately Rs 3.5 lakh by deceitfully offering polishing services.
Modus Operandi of the Accused
The incident unfolded on the eve of Makar Sankranti when the victim, Hansi Kundansinh Rautela (73), was engaged in shopping at the bustling Boisar vegetable market. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, the two men, who operate an eatery, approached Rautela with a proposition to polish her gold jewellery. Trusting their offer, the elderly woman handed over her precious gold chain and four gold bangles to them.
The accused then allegedly conducted a fake polishing routine, after which they returned a bundle neatly tied in a handkerchief to Rautela. It was only upon her return home that the woman discovered the horrifying truth: the bundle contained nothing but sheets of paper, with her valuable jewellery completely missing.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following Rautela's immediate complaint, authorities at the Boisar police station registered a formal case and established a special investigation team to delve into the matter. Deshmukh elaborated that the police leveraged a combination of tip-offs from informants and advanced technical analysis to pinpoint the suspects.
This meticulous approach led to the arrest of Rathod and Solanki on Tuesday, with the stolen jewellery successfully recovered from their possession. The investigation revealed that both individuals have a history of criminal activities, adding a layer of concern to the case.
Criminal Backgrounds of the Accused
Deputy Superintendent Deshmukh disclosed that Dhiraj Rajaram Rathod faces multiple cheating cases registered against him across various locations in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, indicating a pattern of fraudulent behavior. Similarly, Dinesh Hiralal Solanki is identified as a repeat offender, suggesting that this theft might be part of a broader scheme targeting vulnerable individuals.
The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Palghar police to combat crimes against senior citizens and ensure community safety. Authorities are urging residents, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to prevent such incidents in the future.
