Woman arrested in Mumbai for stealing ₹9.8-lakh jewels

Mumbai city news: She allegedly posed as a domestic help at several houses in the city and then stole valuables from her employers

A 30-year-old woman was arrested in Chembur for allegedly posing as a domestic help at several houses in the city and then stealing valuables from her employers.

During investigation, the police found that  she had been booked in similar cases in Mulund, Oshiwara, Andheri, Versova and Ambivali too. (Pic for Representation)

Initially, the accused Bharti Pawar was arrested in a case filed by one Durgaprasad Rege, 51, against her for stealing jewellery worth Rs9.8 lakh from his house in Chembur. During investigation, the police found that she had been booked in similar cases in Mulund, Oshiwara, Andheri, Versova and Ambivali too.

“She used to ask watchmen of housing societies if anyone needed a house help. She would falsely tell them that she lives nearby to gain their confidence,” said Shahji Umap, deputy commissioner of police, zone 6. “She used to keep a tab on the residents’ daily schedule and notice the place where they kept the keys. Any household usually has two keys. She would steal one and get a duplicate made,” he added.

The police said she used to commit the crime when nobody was home. Acting on a tip off, the police arrested her from Wagle Estate in Thane. They also found that she used to sell the valuables to different jewellers. A Dongri-based jeweller has also been booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 411(dishonestly receiving stolen property). The police has recovered ornaments worth Rs 6.9 lakh from her. “She used to steal within four-five days of joining work,” said Umap.