The 36-year-old had been caught red-handed earlier while stealing imitation jewellery; her luck ran out this time when she was caught and handed over to the police
A 36-year-old housewife has been arrested for stealing imitation jewellery. On December 31, 2015, the woman, identified as Meenakshi Chauhan (36), had been caught red-handed by a shop owner, but had been let off.
Also read: Mumbai crime - Woman hid behind burkha to steal necklaces worth Rs 18 lakh
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The accused, Meenakshi Chauhan has been involved in similar cases in the past
On Tuesday afternoon, Chauhan, a resident of Jankalyan Nagar, Malad (west), tried her luck again, but this time, she was caught and handed over to the police.
A sample of the jewellery stolen by the accused
According to police sources, on Tuesday, Chauhan had stolen imitation rings, mangalsutras and earrings worth more than Rs 10,000 from various shops in Natraj Market opposite Malad station.
After carrying out these thefts, she visited Carli Art Jewellery and lifted a few jewellery items from there as well. After stealing the jewellery, Chauhan was trying to leave the shop, but the shop owner, Hemant Singh, realised that something was amiss and demanded to check her bags. Singh recovered the jewellery that Chauhan was carrying, as well as other valuables that the accused had stolen.
Rakesh Thakkar, owner of Arti Art Jewelry, from where Chauhan had stolen earrings, told mid-day, “On December 31 last year, the accused had stolen clothes, including undergarments, and imitation jewellery worth more than Rs 25,000 from Vaibhav Silver Arts, Bhakti Dress and Rukmanik Jewels.
On that day, Chauhan was caught red handed by the locals. However, realising that she was in trouble, Chauhan pleaded guilty in front of the shop owners, and returned the stolen merchandise. She was let off.”
After five days, yesterday, she visited the same market again posing as a customer and was trying to escape after looting three shops.
Also read: Mumbai crime - Cops launch manhunt for female jewel thief
According to sources from the Malad police, the lady had stolen a pouch containing rings worth R5,000 from Carli Art Jewellery.
Similarly, she had stolen a bunch of silver earrings from Arti Imitation Jewellery, and a mangalsutra from Riya Arts Jewellery. The combined value of the jewellery she had stolen was more than Rs 10,000.
Investigating Officer PSI Hassan Mulani from the Malad police said Chauhan has been booked under Section 380 (theft) of the IPC. She will be produced at the Borivli Metropolitan Magistrate court.
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