Khar Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly stealing mobile phones and valuables from devotees at St Teresa’s Church in Khar.
The accused were identified as Saurav Bidoniya (25) and Vaibhav Thorave (31). Police said both have a history of criminal activity, with nearly 15 theft and cheating cases registered against them at various Mumbai police stations. Bidoniya is reported to have studied at a renowned school in Lonavala.
According to authorities, the theft occurred on January 15 between 6 pm and 6:30 pm. The accused entered the church pretending to be devotees and stole mobile phones and other valuables belonging to visitors. Father Callisto Felix Gomes (58) filed a complaint, reporting a mobile phone worth approximately Rs15,000 had been stolen. A case was registered under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against unidentified persons.
Following the complaint, Khar police launched an investigation and received information that the suspects were repeat offenders. Acting on a tip-off on January 22, police laid a trap in Bandra West and the MIDC area of Andheri East, successfully arresting both accused. During questioning, they allegedly confessed to the crime.
Further investigation revealed that Bidoniya had previously attended several church functions and reportedly targeted visitors to steal mobile phones and valuables. Both reside in Andheri East, and a similar case has been registered against them at Bandra police station and other locations in Mumbai.
