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In a swift inter-state operation, the Kalachowki Police Station cracked a high-value theft case within 48 hours, arresting a 28-year-old domestic help from Uttar Pradesh who allegedly decamped with cash worth Rs 13.86 lakh from his employer`s spice shop in central Mumbai.

The incident took place in the early hours of April 16, between 12 am and 7 am, at the complainant`s “Khamkar Masala” shop.

Cash collected over eight days found missing

According to police, the shop owner had kept Rs 13,86,200 – earnings accumulated over eight days of business – inside one of the shop’s aisles before closing for the night. However, when he returned the next morning, the entire amount was found missing, prompting him to approach the police.

Missing worker raises suspicion

During the course of the investigation, police questioned all employees at the shop. Suspicion arose when one of the workers failed to report for duty on the day of the theft. Further inquiries revealed that the missing worker hailed from Gonda district in Uttar Pradesh.

Accused traced to Ayodhya, detained

Acting on technical analysis and surveillance inputs, a police team traced the accused to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. He was identified as Ajay Kumar Shyam Sundar Rawat (28). He was detained and questioned, during which his involvement in the theft came to light.

Over Rs 10 lakh recovered, probe continues

Police said that during a panchnama conducted in the presence of two independent witnesses, cash amounting to Rs 10,47,520 was recovered from his possession. The recovered amount has been seized and sealed as evidence. Efforts are underway to recover the remaining stolen cash.

The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway to ascertain whether he had any accomplices or prior involvement in similar offences.