Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Dec 13: The police apprehended two individuals accused of stealing valuables amounting to Rs 32.46 lakhs from the residence of a builder on December 11. The theft occurred between October 18 and October 23 when the occupants of the house were away.

The accused arrested are identified as Ashraf Ali, a resident of Manjeshwar and an employee of the builder, along with Kabeer from Bengre. The police successfully recovered gold worth Rs 4.5 lac and Rs 4 lac in cash from the arrested individuals.

The targeted house belonged to builder Mohammed Zafarulla, a resident of Kodimajalu. A complaint was filed reporting the theft of Rs 27.50 lac in cash and gold worth Rs 4.96 lac. The police are actively conducting investigations to gather more information about the theft.

Ashraf Ali, who had been employed by Zafarulla for eight months, had gained the trust of his employer. The residents of Zafarulla's house had locked the premises on October 18 before leaving for his younger brother's house in Jeppu, handing over the house key to Ali.

Suspicion arose when attempts to contact Ali on October 19 proved futile, and his mobile remained switched off. Despite these concerns, Zafarulla proceeded to Bengaluru for work. Upon his return on the night of October 23, he found the house locked, and Ali's phone was still inactive when he called up for the key.

Growing more suspicious, Zafarulla peered through a window at the back of the house, discovering the room door ajar, the cupboard's locker broken, and its contents scattered. The theft was revealed as they entered the house, prompting the subsequent police investigation and arrests.