MUMBAI: An estate agent’s house was burgled in Sion, with gold ornaments and other valuables worth Rs 16 lakh stolen after he and his family members left to visit a relative. This is the second burglary at the house in a year. Police suspect the involvement of someone known to the family, as the burglary took place just 15 minutes after they left the house.The complainant, Nikhil Joshi, 36, who lives near Gauri Dutt Mittal School in Sion, told police that he had left his residence around noon on Saturday along with his parents, wife and two children in their car to visit his aunt in Chakala, Andheri. Around 6.30 pm, his neighbour informed his mother over the phone that the safety door and main door of their house were open and the latch appeared to have been broken.The Sion police are scanning CCTV footage to identify the suspects, who were seen arriving on a bike wearing helmets.Joshi immediately informed the police and returned home around 7.15 pm. On entering the house, he found the cupboards in his parents’ bedroom and his own room open. Clothes and belongings were scattered on the beds and floor, while the cupboards appeared to have been forcibly opened using a tool.The family later checked their valuables and found gold and silver ornaments, silver utensils, cash and foreign currency missing. The stolen items included Rs 1.20 lakh in cash, Dubai currency worth around Rs 1.30 lakh, seven pairs of gold earrings, two pairs of gold mangalsutras, a gold kada, a gold chain with two lockets, gold rings, bangles and a Rudraksha gold chain. The family is still assessing the value of the stolen items, and the amount may increase.The thieves also allegedly took several silver articles, including plates, glasses, lotas, bowls, a silver set, jewellery and a silver coin, along with a Rado wristwatch.According to Joshi’s complaint, CCTV footage from the building showed two unidentified persons wearing helmets and black raincoats entering the premises around 12.18 pm. The duo were allegedly seen leaving his residence, with one of them changing the direction of the CCTV camera before they left the building around 12.31 pm.Sion Police have registered a case against two unidentified persons and are examining the CCTV footage to identify the suspects. The total value of the stolen property has been estimated at Rs 16.02 lakh.
