CCTV captures images of robbers stealing Rs 44,000 and then picking up the 12-year-old ailing dog that was roaming around inside the shop; owner afraid they may have abadoned her or sold her for breeding
Minakshi Shinil with her pet shih tzu, Nikki
Nikki is old and has a problem with her vision. She requires regular attention. I am constantly gripped by the fear that the thieves may have abandoned her or sold her to some breeder," Shinil told mid-day. The incident dates back to December 28, when burglars broke into Shinil's pet store, I Love Pets, in Dadar, around 2.30 am. "The thieves entered the store after breaking open the shutter," said Shinil.
That the thieves had cleaned out. Pics/Ashish Raje
While the men escaped with cash worth Rs 44,000, CCTV footage also shows one of them pick up her dog, before fleeing the spot. "For me, the money was not important, but what shocked me was that they also took my pet," she added.
Shinil adopted Nikki, when she was around two years old. "Initially, I had planned to keep her home with my other pets. However, the dogs would just not get along, and Nikki too, was having a lot of problems adjusting in my house," said Shinil. "I then decided to leave her at my store as I spend most of my day there. Nikki has been with me for nearly 10 years," she added.
That the thieves had cleaned out. Pics/Ashish Raje
Shinil, with the help of other animal lovers, is also using social media platforms like Facebook to help locate the dog. "I have been telling the regular visitors at my store to help me find Nikki," she said. "We've scanned through the length and breadth of Shivaji Park, Worli and Dadar, but I have not been able to get any clues on her whereabouts. I hope the police help me get back my pet soon."
CCTV footage shows the thief pick up Nikki and leave the spot
When contacted, Gangadhar Sonawane, senior police inspector, Shivaji Park Police said, "The investigations are on. An FIR has been registered under sections 457 and 380 of Indian Penal Code for house-breaking and theft."
CCTV footage shows...
In the CCTV footage found by cops, a middle-aged man is seen breaking into the pet store as another man waits outside. Nikki is startled awake by the noise and begins to pace around. Meanwhile, the man moves towards the cash counter and takes the money kept inside it. Just as he is about to leave, he spots Nikki. He then grabs her, and gets out of the store.
Dec 28
Day the thieves broke into shop and stole Nikki
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