04 June,2026 06:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
During interrogation, police allegedly discovered that the arrested accused was involved in several other criminal offences. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Kandivali Police in Mumbai have arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly stealing around Rs 60,000 from a donation box at a temple in Kandivali West. Police are continuing their search for a second accused who remains absconding, officials said.
According to police, the theft took place between 8.30 pm on May 13 and 6 am on May 14 at the Laxmi Narayan Temple on M.G. Road in Kandivali West.
The accused allegedly broke open the temple's donation box and stole cash amounting to approximately Rs 60,000. Following a complaint filed by temple trustee Vipulbhai Kaku Bhai Jetania (57), Kandivali Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Ghuge, Assistant Commissioner of Police Nita Padvi and Senior Police Inspector Karan Sonkawade.
A team led by Sub-Inspector Nitin Satam and the Crime Detection Unit of Kandivali Police Station examined CCTV footage and tracked the route used by the suspects.
Investigators found that the accused had travelled into the area by train from Naigaon. Using technical surveillance and local intelligence, police were able to identify and locate one of the suspects.
Police arrested Arman alias Altaf Nazir Sheikh (19) from Ekta Nagar in Kandivali West. He is originally a resident of Rathodi village in Malwani, Malad West.
The second accused has been identified as Dharmesh Lohar, also a resident of Rathodi village, Malad West. He is currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace his whereabouts.
During interrogation, police allegedly discovered that the arrested accused was involved in several other criminal offences.
According to investigators, Arman has been linked to a temple theft case registered at MHB Police Station as well as a burglary at a wine shop registered at Andheri Police Station earlier this year.
Police further stated that the accused has a criminal history, including previous temple theft cases registered at Nehrunagar Police Station and another temple theft case recorded in 2025.
Officials said the accused has also been named in a serious criminal case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with other sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Police are now focusing on tracing the absconding accused and recovering the stolen money.
Kandivali Police said further investigation is underway. Officers are working to recover the remaining stolen cash and gather additional evidence related to the case.
