Notorious Criminal Arrested in Gujarat After Burglary in Vapi

Vapi, October 28 (Daily Kiran) : In a significant operation, Gujarat police apprehended a notorious criminal in Dadar, Mumbai, following a burglary in Vapi. The suspect is accused of stealing over ₹32 lakh worth of gold, silver jewelry, and cash from a bungalow in the GIDC area. The Valasad Local Crime Branch recovered property valued at ₹18.28 lakh.

The burglary occurred on the night of October 24 at bungalow number A/4 in the Vraj Cooperative Housing Society, located on Charvada Road in Vapi. According to police reports, the suspect cut through the iron grill of a window and broke a wooden window to gain access to the first-floor bedroom. He then stole approximately 142.61 grams of gold jewelry, around 900 grams of silver, and ₹12 lakh in cash. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at ₹32,62,482.

The Vapi GIDC police have registered a case under sections 305(A) and 331(4) of the Indian Penal Code, 2023. The arrested individual, identified as 38-year-old Atish, also known as “Dancer,” is a laborer residing in Virar East, Palghar district.

Authorities reported that the Valasad Local Crime Branch, along with their anti-theft team and the Vapi GIDC police, reviewed footage from over 200 CCTV cameras along the route from the crime scene to Mumbai. Investigators also examined records of individuals involved in similar crimes and utilized technical analysis to identify the suspect.

Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Sub-Inspector J.G. Parmar located and arrested the suspect in Dadar. The recovered items and the accused were subsequently handed over to the Vapi GIDC police for further investigation.

During interrogation, the suspect revealed that he had traveled from Virar to Vapi by train just two days before the burglary. He explained that he climbed onto the metal roof of the bungalow, accessed the first-floor window, cut the iron grill with a saw, and broke the wooden window using a screwdriver to enter the house and steal valuables.

Police noted that the suspect’s method included reconnaissance of the target area two to three days before the burglary. After familiarizing himself with the surroundings, he would reportedly enter through the back of an unoccupied house, cut the window grill, and gain entry.

Among the recovered items were three gold necklaces and earrings weighing 35.95 grams (valued at ₹4.75 lakh), two gold bangles weighing 32.32 grams (valued at ₹4.26 lakh), a gold chain worth ₹1.03 lakh, diamond-studded gold earrings (valued at ₹78,000), and various other gold ornaments and coins.

Additionally, police seized a five-gram silver coin, ₹5,48,800 in cash, two mobile phones worth ₹10,000 each, and tools including a screwdriver and saw blade used in the burglary.

The total value of the recovered items is estimated at ₹18,28,780. Authorities revealed that the suspect has a lengthy criminal history, with 69 cases registered against him in Gujarat and Maharashtra, including charges of theft, burglary, robbery, and fraud spanning from 2005 to 2026. The Vapi GIDC police continue their investigation into the matter.