A distinct physical feature spotted in CCTV footage — a crooked finger — helped the Wadala police identify and arrest a 33-year-old history-sheeter accused of breaking into a grocery shop and allegedly stealing cigarette cartons worth Rs 69,000 earlier this month.

The accused, identified as Ashfaq Aslam Sayyed, a resident of PMGP Colony in Mankhurd, was arrested on the evening of July 24 after investigators zeroed in on him using CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and local intelligence. Police have also seized a Mahindra Scorpio car allegedly used during the crime and are working to recover the stolen property.