The Navi Mumbai police have cracked at least seven burglary cases with the arrest of Asif Jahir Shaikh, a 41-year-old man linked to multiple break-ins across Airoli, Rabale, and Vashi areas. Shaikh, who had been on the run, was apprehended in Gulbarga, Karnataka, earlier this week.
Details of the Arrest
Shaikh, a resident of Mumbra, was arrested following an extensive investigation into a series of burglaries committed in November and December last year. The police recovered valuables worth nearly ₹60 lakh, including gold and silver ornaments, along with Rs.16 lakh in cash.
According to officials, Shaikh employed stolen motorcycles with fake number plates to carry out his crimes, ensuring his movements remained undetected. His name had also surfaced in a case registered in Gulbarga, Karnataka, where he was eventually apprehended.
Break-In Modus Operandi
Shaikh’s systematic approach to burglaries involved carefully selecting unoccupied houses and using stolen bikes to navigate the city. His activities primarily targeted residential areas in Navi Mumbai, such as Airoli, Rabale, and Vashi, causing significant losses to homeowners.
An official involved in the investigation revealed, “Shaikh planned his crimes meticulously and used stolen vehicles with fake number plates to avoid detection. His expertise in breaking into houses and evading capture made him a challenging target for law enforcement.”
Recovery of Valuables
The police recovered a substantial haul of stolen goods during Shaikh’s arrest. The valuables include:
- Gold ornaments
- Silver items
- Cash totaling Rs.16 lakh
The recovered assets, collectively valued at approximately Rs.60 lakh, have been cataloged, and efforts are underway to return them to their rightful owners.
Past Criminal Activities
Shaikh has a history of criminal activity, including a case registered against him in Gulbarga. His arrest not only brings relief to the affected residents of Navi Mumbai but also sheds light on the cross-regional nature of his operations.
The police are now investigating whether Shaikh is connected to additional unsolved cases in Navi Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
Efforts by Navi Mumbai Police
The successful apprehension of Shaikh is a testament to the persistent efforts of the Navi Mumbai police. The investigative team utilized surveillance footage, intelligence inputs, and detailed analysis of his movements to track him down in Karnataka.
An official stated, “Our teams worked tirelessly to connect the dots and identify Shaikh as the prime suspect. His arrest has helped us solve multiple cases and recover significant stolen assets.”
Public Safety and Awareness
This case underscores the importance of public vigilance and community cooperation in curbing crime. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions, such as:
- Installing security cameras and alarms.
- Ensuring homes are locked and secured when unoccupied.
- Reporting suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
Conclusion
With Shaikh in custody, the Navi Mumbai police have made significant progress in addressing a string of burglaries that left residents distressed. The recovery of Rs.60 lakh worth of valuables provides some relief to the victims, while the arrest highlights the effectiveness of coordinated policing efforts.
Further investigations are ongoing to uncover Shaikh’s involvement in other cases, ensuring justice for all affected parties. Stay updated with Channel 6 Network for more developments on this story.
