Mumbai Police Arrest Former Informer For ₹1 Crore Theft

A 26-year-old man, who previously worked as a police informer, has been arrested for allegedly stealing cash and valuables worth around ₹1 crore from actress Lopamudra Raut's Santacruz flat in Mumbai. The accused, Chandan Mukhiya, was arrested from his native village in Darbhanga, Bihar, on August 2 and brought to Mumbai on August 8.

Mukhiya had earlier worked with the Gamdevi police as an informer and had helped them crack a house-theft case in 2021. However, he allegedly used his knowledge of police methods to evade detection and committed several burglaries in the city. The police said Mukhiya had stayed with the Gamdevi police and closely observed their investigation and evidence-gathering methods.

The accused allegedly stole valuables worth ₹1.8 crore from his diamond-merchant employer near Breach Candy Hospital and buried them near his family home in Bihar. He was subsequently arrested in another ₹25 lakh burglary case and released on bail in January. After his release, Mukhiya allegedly stayed at a Mumbai Central dormitory and conducted recce across the city.

Mukhiya allegedly spotted scaffolding outside Raut's Santacruz West building and used it to enter her fifth-floor flat between 4 am and 5 am on July 14. He stole cash, gold and diamond-studded jewellery, watches and other valuables. The police recovered property worth ₹76.39 lakh.

The police used CCTV footage and technical surveillance to trace Mukhiya after he fled Mumbai on the Jai Sagar Express towards the India-Nepal border. Within 10 days, Mukhiya and his uncle Lalu Mukhiya, 45, allegedly invested ₹22 lakh in two plots measuring around 2,722.5 sq ft near their village. Lalu is wanted for allegedly helping dispose of stolen valuables.

Raut, 30, returned from Nagpur on July 27 and found her flat locked from outside. A building staffer entered through the balcony and opened it. Mukhiya allegedly told police he had randomly targeted the flat after spotting the scaffolding and completed the burglary within an hour.

The arrest of Mukhiya has highlighted the issue of former informers turning to crime. The police have been working to prevent such incidents and have been taking steps to monitor the activities of former informers.

The case has also raised concerns about the security of buildings in the city. The use of scaffolding to gain access to Raut's flat has highlighted the need for building owners to ensure that their properties are secure.

In conclusion, the arrest of Chandan Mukhiya is a significant achievement for the Mumbai police. The case has highlighted the need for the police to be vigilant and to take steps to prevent former informers from turning to crime. It has also raised concerns about the security of buildings in the city and the need for building owners to ensure that their properties are secure.

The Mumbai police have been working to prevent such incidents and have been taking steps to monitor the activities of former informers. The case is a reminder of the importance of security and the need for individuals to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

The police are still investigating the case and are working to recover the remaining stolen valuables. The arrest of Mukhiya is a significant step in the investigation and has brought a sense of relief to Raut and her family.

The case has also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the police and the public. The police are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

In the end, the arrest of Chandan Mukhiya is a significant achievement for the Mumbai police and a reminder of the importance of security and cooperation between the police and the public.