A Lokhandwala bungalow was burgled during New Year, with valuables worth Rs 45 lakh stolen while the family was in Goa; police arrested a habitual offender and recovered 90% of the items
Burglary During New Year Holiday in Lokhandwala
A Lokhandwala-based film and television production family faced a nightmare when their bungalow was burgled. Valuables worth nearly Rs 45 lakh were stolen while the family celebrated New Year’s Eve in Goa. The Oshiwara Police have arrested a habitual burglar in connection with this high-value theft.
Details of the Incident
The accused is Manoj Rathod, 40 years old. He was arrested in Virar East, and police have recovered nearly 90 percent of the stolen property. The burglary took place at a bungalow behind Magnum Tower on 2nd Cross Road in Lokhandwala. The house belongs to a 53-year-old film and television producer, who lives there with his wife, children, and 82-year-old mother.
At the time of the incident, the family was away in Goa. Only the elderly mother and a relative of her daughter-in-law were at home. Police reported that the burglar entered the bungalow between 11 PM on December 29 and 7:30 AM on December 30 by forcing open a bathroom window on the second floor.
Discovery of the Crime
At around 2:40 AM, the elderly woman woke up to use the washroom. She heard faint noises but ignored them. Later, she noticed that a bathroom window was not closing properly and thought it was opened by domestic staff. The crime was discovered in the morning when a maid found a broken window handle in the library and noticed several rooms were ransacked.
Stolen Items
A detailed inventory confirmed the burglar stole:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Jewelry | Diamond, ruby, and emerald earrings, rings, and bracelets |
| Bracelet | A Cartier diamond and emerald bracelet |
| Gold Items | Gold bangles, bracelets, and ornaments belonging to the grandmother |
| Silverware | Silver plates, spoons, utensils, frames, and household silverware |
| Currency | Foreign currency |
| Documents | Three passports and signed blank stamp papers |
| Cash | Cash belonging to a relative and a domestic help |
The total value of the stolen property is estimated at Rs 45 lakh.
Investigation and Arrest
Based on the complaint from the elderly woman, Oshiwara Police registered an FIR. They launched an investigation under DCP (Zone 9) Dixit Gedam and Senior Inspector Sanjay Chauhan. Technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and human intelligence led to Rathod’s arrest a few days later.
During interrogation, police learned that Rathod is a notorious offender with over a dozen burglary cases against him in Mumbai and nearby areas. For nearly five years, he had avoided criminal activity and cut off contact with former associates. Police sources noted that after stealing passports and documents, Rathod discarded them near the bungalow.
Following Rathod’s arrest, police recovered over 90 percent of the stolen property. The investigation is ongoing, and the accused remains in police custody.
