Two hearing impaired brothers held for break-in

Two brothers, who are hearing impaired, were arrested in Ambernath for allegedly breaking into a house.

Two brothers, who are hearing impaired, were arrested in Ambernath for allegedly breaking into a house.

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The brothers, Dhiresh (22) and Sachin Gaikwad (20), are residents of Navi Mumbai.

Police Inspector Gautam Sonawane of Shivajinagar police station said some people from Utakarsh Society called the police and informed them that thieves had broken into Paarijat Bungalow, owned by 67-year-old Vijaya Phatak.

“Our team immediately rushed to the spot and arrested the two thieves, who were hiding inside the bungalow,” Sonawane said.

The police initially did not know about the duo’s handicap. When they brought the accused to the police station and started interrogating them, they failed to get any. The police found out about the handicap from their relatives.

“We have engaged a teacher, who knows sign language, to help us investigate the case. We are confident that this is not their first crime.”

Phatak had gone to Pen in Raigad district to visit relatives. She rushed back when neighbours informed her about the break-in.

“I am lucky. All my ornaments and cash are in the bank locker,” Phatak said. “There were only Bentex ornaments, very little cash and an old mobile phone at home.”

The police have recovered the loot.

The brothers were produced in the Ulhasnagar court, which remanded them into police custody for seven days.