Lokesh Sutar (31), a resident of Sangli, Maharashtra, has been arrested by Old Goa Police in connection with a burglary at Kusum Chauhan’s residence in Santa Cruz. Sutar is a habitual offender linked to 25 house-breaking and theft cases across Maharashtra and Goa, including three in Old Goa, for which he has already been chargesheeted.
Authorities apprehended Sutar in Kottalgi, Karnataka, where he had been evading law enforcement. He has been remanded to 10 days of police custody by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Merces.
Investigations revealed that Sutar had purchased a car using stolen money, which police have now recovered. The stolen gold ornaments were reportedly sold to a local goldsmith and are also expected to be retrieved, according to SP North Harishchandra Madkaikar.
The crime occurred on November 14, when Sutar allegedly broke into Chauhan’s house at Ubo Dando, Santa Cruz, in broad daylight. At the time, the complainant had stepped out to pick up her son from a nearby school. Sutar stole gold and silver jewellery along with cash, collectively valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh.
Old Goa Police registered a case under Sections 331(1), 331(3), and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Authorities are also investigating Sutar’s wider criminal network. PSI Sanket Pokhare is leading the investigation under the supervision of Old Goa PI Gauresh Malik.
