‘Crime branch officials’ rob hotel owner at Kalina

Six from a gang stole jewellery worth Rs22.97 lakh and Rs5 lakh cash by posing as crime branch officials from a hotel owner’s residence at Kalina.

Six from a gang stole jewellery worth Rs 22.97 lakh and Rs 5 lakh cash by posing as crime branch officials from a hotel owner’s residence at Kalina.

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According to the police, Mohammad Hasim Shaikh, 48, had received the jewellery after selling land in his village.

On August 23, the accused, posing as crime branch officials, entered Shaikh’s house and conducted a raid, the police added.

They allegedly claimed the valuable items were illegally received and took them into custody.

The police said a scared Shaikh fled to his village

fearing more harassment. However, sensing some-

thing was amiss, he filed a complaint with the police on October 21.

During the investigations, the police found three suspects, Malad residents Akbar Hasan, 36, Abdul Rahim, 34, and

Salman Mehmood, 22, who confessed to the crime during interrogation. The three were arrested.

Explain the modus operandi, the police said the accused Salman was Shaikh’s nephew, hence knew about the land deal.

According the police, Salman passed on the information to Akbar and Rahim, who shared the information with the three other accused, who are still absconding.