Navi Mumbai: Rabale Police recovered gold jewellery worth Rs 19.13 lakh and a mobile phone within 12 hours of them being reported missing. The valuables were returned to the owner, 58-year-old Shakuntala Shankar Gaikar, a vegetable vendor from Karanjade, Panvel, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the police team.
Complaint Promptly Registered at Rabale Police Station
The incident occurred on July 31, when Gaikar visited Ghansoli Market for her daily business. After returning home, she realised that her bag containing jewellery and her phone was missing. Unsure whether it had been stolen or misplaced, she immediately approached Rabale Police Station and filed a complaint.
Police Launch Rapid Response Under Senior PI Sawant
Acting swiftly, a team led by Senior Police Inspector Balkrishna Sawant and comprising API Avinash Palde and constables Vaingankar, Karan Kal, Rajesh Tadvi, and Rahul Salunkhe, launched an investigation. By analyzing CCTV footage from the Ghansoli to Talavali area, they managed to trace and detain a suspect. Interrogation led to the recovery of the missing jewellery.
According to police, Gaikar used to carry her gold ornaments in her bag every day due to fear of theft at home. "When she returned home that day, she realized the bag was gone. It contained her phone as well, which helped us trace the location," said SrPI Sawant.
Although a case was initially registered against an unidentified person, investigators are now verifying the suspect’s claim that he found the bag rather than stole it. “We are checking if this was a case of theft or accidental possession, as the suspect claims,” the officer added.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The recovered items were formally returned to Gaikar on Friday by Senior PI Sawant. Speaking to the media, she expressed immense relief and thanked the police for their prompt and effective action.
