Mumbai: Grill cutter thief held after Rs 3.7 lakh burglary in Bhandup

Atish Sakharkar, the accused. Pic/By Special Arrangement

A 38-year-old habitual housebreaker from Virar, known for avoiding CCTV detection, silently cutting window grills with a handsaw, has been arrested by Kanjurmarg police in connection with a burglary at a senior citizen's home in Bhandup East earlier this month. Police say the accused, already facing over 20 cases, allegedly stole gold jewellery worth more than Rs 3.7 lakh in the break-in.

How police cracked case

>> Crime pattern matched known offender profile
>> Surveillance of habitual offenders intensified
>> Tip-off from a confidential informant
>> Accused traced to the Mira-Bhayandar area
>> Recovered property: Rs 2.7 lakh worth of jewellery

What was stolen

>> Estimated value: Rs 3.7 lakh+
>> Items listed in FIR:
>> 2 gold bangles
>> Mangalsutra with diamond pendant
>> 4 rings
>> Chains
>> Earrings
>> Diamond earring set

Modus operandi

>> Police say the accused typically:
>> Avoids CCTV cameras
>> Uses a handsaw to cut metal window grills
>> Bends grills silently to gain entry

Case Snapshot

Accused: Atish Sakharkar, 38, Virar
Police station: Kanjurmarg
Prior record: 20+ cases
Crime location: Bhandup East
Incident window: Night of Feb 8
FIR lodged: Morning of Feb 9