Powai cleaner held for theft of gold hidden behind washroom mirror

How the theft came to light

Investigators in Powai have arrested a domestic cleaner for allegedly stealing gold jewellery from a flat in the area. The accused, identified as a 32-year-old man, was taken into custody after police recovered the stolen items from an unexpected hiding spot — behind a washroom mirror at his residence.

The case began when a resident of a high-rise in Powai reported missing gold ornaments worth several lakhs. The complainant told police that the jewellery was kept in a cupboard and had vanished over a period of time, without any signs of forced entry.

The breakthrough

During the probe, police questioned the household staff and examined CCTV footage from the building. A tip-off led them to the cleaner, who had been working in the flat for a few months. When officers searched his home, they found the gold wrapped in a cloth and tucked behind the mirror in the bathroom.

Sources said the accused had allegedly been stealing small pieces of jewellery over several weeks, hoping the missing items would go unnoticed. He would reportedly hide the loot at his residence before planning to sell it off.

Legal proceedings

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for theft. The accused was produced before a local court, which remanded him in police custody for further questioning.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether the cleaner acted alone or if any accomplices were involved. Investigations are ongoing to determine if he was involved in similar thefts in other flats in the vicinity.

What to watch

Police are now verifying the accused's background and past employment records. Residents in the area have been advised to keep a strict check on domestic staff and report any suspicious activity. The recovered gold will be handed over to the complainant after legal formalities are completed.