Jobless cook arrested for stealing Rs 15 lakh jewellery from Malad home

The Dindoshi police have arrested a former cook for allegedly stealing jewellery worth Rs 15 lakh from the home of a Malad East-based international cargo businessman. The accused, identified as Chhote Bahaku Mukhiya, 32, had briefly worked at the complainant’s residence and committed the theft to host a party for his friends.

According to police, the complainant lives with his parents and children in Upper Govind Nagar, Malad East. The household employs six domestic workers, including women working in shifts, and one full-time cook.

In his statement, the complainant said he had travelled to Ayodhya on May 28 along with his parents, sister (visiting from the United States), and her daughter to visit the Ram Mandir. The family returned to Mumbai on May 31.

Upon their return, the complainant’s mother discovered that jewellery kept in a cupboard safe in her bedroom was missing. She alerted the complainant, who, after confirming with family members and domestic staff that no one knew of the theft, approached Dindoshi police station and filed a complaint the same day.
A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Senior Inspector Ajay Aphale, Crime Police Inspector Prakash Masaal, Assistant Police Inspector Om Totawar, and their detection team launched an investigation. CCTV footage from inside and around the building helped them identify the suspect.

“The investigation team scanned nearby CCTV footage and found that the suspect was none other than Chhote Bahaku Mukhiya, a former cook who had worked at the house for just a month before quitting,” said an officer from Dindoshi police station.

Mukhiya, a native of Bihar, had fled to Delhi after the theft. He was tracked to the Lajpat Nagar area and arrested on Tuesday. He was brought to Mumbai the 
following day.

During interrogation, Mukhiya confessed to the crime. He told police he was addicted to alcohol and often received liquor from friends without having to pay. However, this time, they asked him to host a party. With no job and no money, he resorted to theft to arrange funds.

“Knowing the house layout and where valuables were kept, he returned on the night of May 28. He entered the building, used the lift to reach the terrace, accessed the sixth-floor flat through a window, opened the cupboard in the complainant’s mother’s room, stole the jewellery, and fled to Delhi,” the officer added.

“He is currently in police custody. Efforts are underway to recover the stolen jewellery,” said Senior Inspector Ajay Aphale.

Source