Mumbai Crime: Police nab dumb burglar in Malad

Ashfaque Ansari, 36, who had allegedly burgled his aunt’s house in MHB Colony was arrested by Malwani police (right) Afzal Shaikh, alias Tunda, 25, was an accomplice to the burglary committed by Ansari in MHB Colony

A brazen and dumb burglar who had broken into his aunt's house not only invited her family to a grand feast, but also flaunted the watch that he had earlier stolen from their house. Responding to the invitation, the victims of burglary on arriving at the feast were shocked to spot one of the watches that had been burgled from their house with their host. They immediately alerted the police.

According to police sources, the accused identified as Ashfaque Ansari, 36, was arrested along with his wife and an accomplice. The police recovered R1 lakh in cash and three watches from their possession. "Ansari revealed the identity of his accomplice as Afzal Shaikh, alias Tunda, 25. The two had burgled the house of Ansari's relative in MHB Colony, Gate number 8, on October 26. The police also arrested Ansari's wife, Ilima, who assisted him in the crime," said a police officer.

Following the burglary at MHB Colony, an FIR had been registered at the Malwani police station and senior police inspector Chimaji Adhav had deputed police sub-inspector Amol Yenare, attached to the detection unit to conduct the investigation and nab the burglars. Ansari and Shaikh were habitual offenders as they were booked in over a dozen cases. Ansari committed this burglary merely a week after his release from jail where he had served a two-year sentence. He had broken into his aunt's house, stealing Rs 2 lakh in cash and three watches," said a police officer.

Ansari organised a grand feast, known as a ‘Niyaz' at his residence in Ambujwadi, inviting friends and relatives, including the family of his aunt. As the investigation progressed, it became apparent that the accused had been living beyond his means and hosting a big feast. This raised suspicion, as Ansari had spent nearly two years in jail and other than burglary he had no legitimate source of income. When the members of his aunt's family noticed the stolen watch in his possession they alerted the police.

In the police custody, Ansari revealed that he had given a portion of the burgled items to his friend Shaikh and entrusted the remaining cash and valuables to his wife. When interrogated, Ansari's wife initially denied involvement, but upon searching her belongings, the remaining cash and valuables were discovered, leading to her inclusion as an accused in the burglary case, the officer said. The three accused persons were presented before the court last week. Subsequently, the court remanded them in judicial custody.

Rs 2 lakh
Amount burgled