Mumbai: Two Housekeeping Staff Arrested for Stealing ₹5.3 Lakh from Senior Citizen’s Home in Juhu

Juhu Police have arrested two housekeeping staff for allegedly breaking into the residence of a senior citizen businessman and stealing valuables worth over ₹5.3 lakh. The accused have been identified as Shakti Shankar Mandal and Vijay Devendra, both employed as cleaning staff. Mandal is a history-sheeter with more than three burglary cases registered against him.During the probe, it emerged that Vijay committed the crime to arrange money for his wife’s medical treatment. 

According to police, the theft took place at the residence of Naishadh Patel (76), a businessman who lives with his wife in Vile Parle. Patel owns a rubber production business. On January 1, the couple left for Gujarat to visit relatives, after securely locking their flat. When their grandson visited the house on January 8, he found the premises ransacked and alerted the family.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the burglars gained entry by cutting through the window grille. They decamped with diamond-studded jewellery and cash amounting to ₹5.30 lakh, including ₹1.35 lakh in cash.

Following Patel’s complaint, Juhu Police registered a case of housebreaking and launched an investigation. Based on CCTV footage from the area and technical inputs, police detained Shakti Mandal for questioning. During interrogation, Mandal confessed to the crime and disclosed that he was assisted by Vijay Devendra, who was subsequently arrested.

Police said both accused work as housekeeping staff. While Mandal is a repeat offender, Vijay works as a cleaner near Patel’s housing society and was familiar with the locality. Vijay allegedly informed Mandal that the Patel residence was locked, after which the duo planned the burglary. As per their plan, Mandal entered the flat to commit the theft, while Vijay kept watch outside.

During the probe, it emerged that Vijay committed the crime to arrange money for his wife’s medical treatment. Police have recovered part of the stolen property from the accused, and efforts are underway to recover the remaining valuables.

Further investigation is ongoing.