Police in Maharashtra’s Palghar district have cracked a major theft case involving the burglary of jewellery worth Rs 33 lakh from a residence in Virar.
Thieves
Two individuals, identified as Sonu Sheikh (43) and Motilal Soni, were apprehended in Thane city, confirmed Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Bajbale of Virar (Zone-III). The stolen jewellery, valued at Rs 27.65 lakh, was successfully recovered from their possession.
The burglary occurred at a house in Dongarpada, Virar, during the night of April 24-25, while the occupants were away.
Complaint
An FIR was registered by the Virar police under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code based on a complaint filed by the affected family.
Utilizing various investigative techniques such as CCTV footage analysis, technical expertise, and intelligence inputs, the investigative team pinpointed Sonu Sheikh as the prime suspect, stated Senior Police Inspector Vijay Pawar. Acting on a lead suggesting Sheikh’s presence in the Vasant Vihar locality, law enforcement officials set up a trap on April 27 and successfully apprehended him in Manpada.
During interrogation, Sheikh revealed his involvement in the theft and disclosed that he had disposed of the stolen jewellery to Motilal Soni, known for his dealings with old and imitation jewellery outside jewellers’ shops. Following this information, Soni was promptly located and arrested on the same day.
Police disclosed that Sheikh, the primary culprit, has a history of criminal activity and is currently facing multiple criminal cases across various police stations in Mumbai and Thane.
