Daijiworld Media Network - Malad

Malad, Sep 23: Mumbai police apprehended a 66-year-old man last Friday in connection with a robbery that took place at an elderly woman’s residence in Malad last month. The victim, a 75-year-old widow, was held at knifepoint and robbed after a chilling confrontation inside her home.

The woman, who earns a living by tutoring children and renting part of her house to paying guests, revealed that she knew the accused since 2023 through a shared social organization. They had met at various events, and the man sometimes visited her home for tea or gatherings.

On August 26 at around 2:30 pm, the accused called the woman, saying he wanted to visit for tea. But once inside her room, he brandished a knife and accused her of spreading rumors about him among senior citizens. He demanded Rs 5 lac in compensation, threatening her life if she refused. Terrified, the woman handed over four gold bangles and a gold chain weighing 40 grams, valued at approximately Rs 3.5 lac. After the man left, she gave his photograph to the society’s security guard, instructing him to bar the man from entering again. She later confided in her adult children about the traumatic event.

Summoning courage, the victim filed a formal complaint at Malad Police Station on September 10. A team led by Senior Inspector Dushyant Chavan launched a preliminary investigation, which led to the suspect’s arrest last Friday. Police confirmed the accused has no previous criminal record but lives without fixed accommodation or income.

He has been charged under Section 308(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to extortion by threatening death or grievous harm. Conviction under this law can result in imprisonment of up to ten years along with a fine.