TV mechanic, three aides held for break-ins

A 32-year-old television mechanic whose shop was drowned during the 26/7 deluge in 2005 that damaged several television sets in his shop turned to housebreaking to pay back his customers.

A 32-year-old television mechanic whose shop was drowned during the 26/7 deluge in 2005 that damaged several television sets in his shop turned to housebreaking to pay back his customers.

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The HT had earlier reported about the rise in the spate of robberies in the western suburbs in the past two years.

The accused were identified as Sachin Kapse (26), Saroj Kumar Jha (32), Babu Jayappa Shivsaran (47) and Raju Shah (29). Shivsaran is the mastermind who planned the robberies. RS Agarwal, senior inspector of Crime Branch Unit 5, said: "Jha, a television mechanic, had a shop at Mankhurd. During the 26/7 deluge, several television sets were damaged and his clients started harassing him for reimbursements. He shifted to Nallasopara, where along with the three accused, he took to robbery to make some money."

An officer from crime branch Unit 5, talking on condition of anonymity, said: "The accused have looted 1 kg gold, 3 kg silver and several mobile handsets."

The four accused are suspected to be involved in 18-20 cases ranging from house break-in to theft in the western suburbs in the past one year, said crime branch sources.