The Dahisar Police have arrested three habitual burglars who allegedly carried out reconnaissance of locked houses while posing as auto-rickshaw passengers before breaking in and committing thefts across the area.
According to police, the accused — Mauinuddin Nizamuddin Sheikh (47), Mohammad Gulabnabi Sheikh (52), and Akbar Ali Fattemohammad Rahin (31) — targeted several homes in Dahisar East on the night of 26–27 November 2025. When they failed to find valuables, they allegedly stole clothes and sarees to avoid leaving empty-handed.
One complainant, B. Ramchandra Maroti, reported that unknown persons broke into his Rawalpada home and stole Rs10,000. His neighbour, Ranjudevi Devendra Singh, also reported a break-in, with three sarees worth Rs3,000 stolen. A case was registered at Dahisar Police Station.
During the investigation, officers examined 25–30 CCTV cameras in the surrounding area and were able to identify the trio. Their residences in Saki Naka, Andheri East, were kept under two days of surveillance before police moved in and arrested them.
Police revealed that primary accused Mauinuddin Sheikh has over 40 prior cases of housebreaking and theft registered across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts. “We have solved seven cases so far, including three under Dahisar Police Station, one at MHB, one at Malad, and two at Mulund,” officials said. Stolen items recovered from the accused have also been seized.
Due to Sheikh’s repeated offences, police stations frequently visited his home, creating ongoing distress for the family. As a result, the family expelled him and informed police they no longer wished to be associated with him.
Co-accused Mohammad Gulabnabi Sheikh also has past theft cases, while police are verifying how many offences auto-driver Rahin is linked to.
Under the supervision of DCP Mahesh Chimate, Zone 12 Senior Inspector Sarjerao Patil, API Prakash Lahane, Head Constable S. Sayyed, and the Dahisar Crime Detection Team, extensive CCTV analysis and confidential inputs led to the arrests.
