Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 10: In a major crackdown on a notorious housebreaking racket, Kurar Police have arrested four hardened criminals involved in a recent burglary in Malad East’s Pimpri Pada area, including a habitual offender with over 40 criminal cases and a murder accused. The arrests follow the theft of Rs 80,000 cash and gold jewellery from a locked residence.

According to police officials, the gang meticulously identified unoccupied homes during the day and struck at night. Their unique tactic involved locking neighbouring homes from outside to prevent any alarm being raised during the break-ins.

The arrested include:

• Abdul Hamid Ansari alias Appu Khuta (29) – A habitual offender with over 40 cases and a long criminal record dating back to his teenage years. Released from jail as recently as May 29.

• Akash Chandrakant Pawar (27) – A murder accused previously jailed for five years in a 2020 homicide case. Resumed criminal activity shortly after release.

• Suraj Sanjay Jadhav (26) – An autorickshaw driver who used his vehicle for recces and transportation of the gang members.

• Dipali Dampar Bhul alias Soni (25) – A first-time offender who assisted in surveillance and lookout operations.

The gang burgled the home of Nazir Shaikh (38), a laundry shop owner who was away in Jalgaon from May 30 for a family funeral. On returning home on June 3, he found his house ransacked. The gang had stolen Rs 80,000 in cash, gold jewellery, and foreign coins.

Soni was the first to be apprehended on June 4, following which she divulged details about the gang. Based on CCTV footage and call data analysis, police tracked down the remaining trio.

Accused Pawar initially claimed the jewellery was hidden inside the autorickshaw’s boot space, but it was found broken and empty. Upon further grilling, Pawar confessed to alerting his friends during a court hearing, who then retrieved the pouch and discarded it near a garbage site in Pimpri Pada. After a two-hour search, the police successfully recovered the stolen valuables.

The gang used the stolen cash to throw a lavish party at Royal Palms, Aarey, reportedly spending a chunk on drugs in Andheri. Each took Rs 10,000, while the rest was used to rent the villa for a night of celebration.

Under the supervision of DCP Mahesh Chimate, Senior PI Sanjeev Tavde, and PSI Avinash Nalavade, further investigations are ongoing. One more suspect remains at large.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are continuing efforts to dismantle the gang’s wider network.