Mumbai Police have arrested two habitual offenders for allegedly honeytrapping and robbing a bank manager of valuables worth approximately ₹4.25 lakh at a hotel in Gorai. The accused have been identified as Bimladevi Shravan Kumar Singh alias Hani Thakur and Ruth Lucas Naidu, both residents of Malvani in Malad. They were produced before a court following their arrest.
According to police, both women are history-sheeters with similar cases registered against them at Kashimira and Mandvi police stations. Investigations have revealed that the duo used to befriend victims on social media, lure them to hotels, and steal their valuables before fleeing. Police also suspect that several victims did not come forward due to fear of social stigma.
The complainant, a 43-year-old bank manager residing in Worli with his family and currently posted at a Lower Parel branch, came in contact with Hani Thakur through a social media app on July 23, after she “liked” his profile. Their conversation soon progressed, and she introduced herself as a native of Himachal Pradesh currently living in Malvani.
After exchanging WhatsApp numbers, the two met at a hotel in Andheri on August 18 and later visited a bar, where they consumed alcohol and became friendly. During their interaction, Hani suggested going out together and staying overnight. Citing proximity to her residence, she proposed Gorai as the destination, to which the complainant agreed.
As planned, a hotel room was booked in Gorai on August 28. On August 30, the complainant met Hani at Borivali railway station, where she was accompanied by her friend Ruth Naidu. Introducing Ruth as a travel enthusiast and her roommate, the trio proceeded to the Gorai hotel.
After consuming alcohol and having dinner, all three retired to their room for the night. However, when the complainant woke up the next morning, both women were missing. A search in the hotel proved futile, and staff informed him that the two had left early in the morning.
Upon checking his belongings, the complainant found his mobile phone, a costly Casio watch, a gold chain, a pendant, gold bangles, and cash missing—valued at around ₹4.25 lakh. The accused had allegedly intoxicated him and fled with the valuables during the night.
Initially, the victim refrained from lodging a complaint due to fear of defamation. However, on March 28, after learning about similar cases registered in Kashimira and Mandvi involving the same accused, he approached the Gorai police and filed a complaint.
Following verification, police registered a robbery case against the duo and arrested them on Tuesday. Further investigation confirmed that both women are repeat offenders who have duped multiple victims using similar tactics.
Police officials stated that the arrest has helped expose a pattern of such crimes, and efforts are underway to identify other potential victims who may not have reported incidents due to social stigma.