Ex-personal assistant held for theft at MLC’s house

Five days after a maid working at the National Congress Party legislator Vasant Davkhare’s house was arrested for theft, his son’s – Niranjan Davkhare — former personal assistant has now been arrested on the same charges.

Five days after a maid working at the National Congress Party legislator Vasant Davkhare’s house was arrested for theft, his son’s – Niranjan Davkhare — former personal assistant has now been arrested on the same charges.

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On September 9, Niranjan’s wife was cleaning the cupboard when she realised that jewellery worth Rs 9.5 lakh was missing. Based on the family’s suspicion, Poonam Surve was arrested.

However, after investigations the police on Wednesday arrested Mayur Baviskar (29), who worked with Niranjan more than a year ago.

"He had a set of keys with him. He got into the house and stole the jewellery in April, when Davkhares were busy with the Vidhan Parishad elections. He has sold the ornaments," said Police Inspector (crime) Hemant Sawant of Naupada police station.

Baviskar was arrested with the help of the mobile phone he stole from Niranjan’s house. The police have released Surve and are recovering the jewellery from Baviskar. "He planned the theft in advance and was in constant touch with people close to us," said Niranjan, who heads the state NCP youth wing.

They family initially suspected Surve as she too had the keys.

"We asked both the maids after we came to know about the theft. One of them didn’t even react. So we interrogated her and maybe out of frustration she that said she had stolen the jewellery," said Niranjan.

Baviskar has been remanded in police custody until September 20.