A 20-year-old caretaker, Mahima Nishad, was arrested by Khar police on Saturday for stealing jewellery worth Rs34 lakh and Rs5,000 in cash from her employer’s home—and later unintentionally exposing herself by posting the stolen items in her WhatsApp display picture.
The complainant, a businesswoman from Khar, initially hesitated to report the theft due to family concerns. However, she approached the police after noticing jewellery identical to her mother’s stolen ornaments in Nishad’s profile picture, uploaded a week after the theft.
Nishad, originally from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, had been working as a caretaker for the complainant’s elderly mother since April. She was entrusted with access to the locker and cupboard containing valuable gold, silver ornaments, and cash.
The theft came to light on November 1, during Laxmi Puja festivities, when the family discovered multiple items missing, including a gold chain, ring, and other ornaments. Suspicion grew after the employer noticed the WhatsApp photo on November 8, which prompted the official police complaint.
Despite the crime, Nishad continued working in the home, unaware that she had been identified as the primary suspect. When questioned, she admitted to the theft, explaining she had used her privileged access to remove the valuables discreetly.
She was presented before the Bandra Court on Sunday, while police continue efforts to recover the remaining stolen jewellery.
