Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) Crime Branch officials have arrested Shyam Chinappa Dhotre, a 41-year-old painter, for breaking into a locked tenement in Nallasopara between March 1 and March 5. The thief, who worked as a painter during the day, used his knowledge of homes to target locked properties for theft at night.
Dhotre gained entry to the house by breaking the door latch while the family was away at their native village. He stole gold ornaments worth Rs. 2.91 lakh from a cupboard in the tenement.
The police launched an investigation after a series of break-ins were reported in the area. Using CCTV footage and electronic surveillance, the crime branch tracked down and apprehended Dhotre in Virar.
During questioning, it was revealed that Dhotre had used his occupation as a painter as a cover to commit thefts during the night. The police recovered 33.5 grams of stolen gold, worth approximately Rs. 2.03 lakh, from his possession.
Dhotre has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for theft, breaking in at night, and trespassing. Authorities suspect that Dhotre may be involved in other similar crimes in the region, and the Nallasopara police are conducting further investigations.
