In a startling revelation, a 23-year-old caretaker, entrusted with the responsibility of looking after a senior citizen in Powai, stands accused of orchestrating a theft amounting to a staggering Rs 2.7 crore. The accused, identified as Anju Bhagat, purportedly pilfered a cache of gold, silver, diamond ornaments, and cash over a span of four months, leaving the family reeling in shock and disbelief.
The victim, a 55-year-old doctor residing in Powai, had employed Bhagat to care for her 85-year-old mother-in-law. Hailing from Chhattisgarh, Bhagat had been a part of the family's household for five years, entrusted with various responsibilities including the management of the senior citizen's daily needs, shopping, and financial accounts.
Trusting Bhagat implicitly, the family had provided her with access to their residence, entrusting her with keys to their cupboards. Additionally, a 20-year-old maid had also been recently hired to assist with household chores.
The alleged theft, as detailed in the First Information Report (FIR), occurred between November and February while the senior citizen was away in Nashik. It was during this period that the family discovered the disappearance of their cherished ornaments and ancestral valuables. Suspicion arose when the complainant, upon returning home, found certain valuables conspicuously absent.
Upon closer inspection, the family stumbled upon incriminating evidence on Bhagat's phone, revealing receipts from jewellers indicating the sale of stolen ornaments. Promptly, an FIR was lodged with the Powai police on March 1, citing the theft of ornaments valued at Rs 10.7 lakh. However, subsequent investigations unearthed a much larger sum of stolen valuables, totaling Rs 2.6 crore in ornaments and approximately Rs 60,000 in cash.
In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement authorities have successfully recovered the stolen loot, providing some semblance of closure to the aggrieved family. The arrest of Anju Bhagat serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and vigilant oversight when entrusting individuals with responsibilities, particularly within the confines of one's home.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Powai community, prompting residents to reevaluate their security measures and exercise caution when engaging domestic help. As the investigation unfolds, residents remain hopeful for a swift resolution and justice for the victims of this brazen act of deception and betrayal.
