Thane Police arrested a woman, Puja Dilip Gupta (45), and her 20-year-old son, Ganesh Dilip Gupta, for their alleged involvement in multiple housebreaking and theft cases across Thane city. Authorities recovered stolen items worth nearly Rs11 lakh, including gold, silver, cash, and valuable stamps.
The investigation began after a complaint was filed on July 13 reporting the theft of gold and silver ornaments valued at Rs7.99 lakh from a house in the Naupada area. Reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity, police spotted a woman accompanied by two children near the crime scene. One of the children was seen removing tools from a backpack.
Senior Inspector Abhay Mahajan stated that extensive CCTV footage from over 100 cameras helped track the suspects’ movements around areas like Thane Railway Station, Talavpali, and Chandanwadi. The woman was found to take deliberate detours to evade surveillance.
Following leads to localities such as Diva village, Sabegaon, Khardi, and Dativali, police launched a surveillance operation. On July 17, they apprehended Ganesh Dilip Gupta near Diva creek after a brief chase.
During questioning, Ganesh confessed to his and his mother’s involvement in the thefts. Police uncovered plans to sell the stolen gold, silver, and valuable stamps to bullion dealers in Mumbai and Thane to fund relocation to other districts.
Recovered loot includes 100 grams of gold, 2.5 kilograms of silver articles and jewelry, Rs 40,000 cash, and other items collectively valued at Rs 10.99 lakh.
