A case involving a family-run burglary gang has emerged in Kalyan, Maharashtra, where a father reportedly conducted surveillance of locked residences and enlisted his own children to execute thefts. Authorities from the Mahatma Phule Chowk Police Station have apprehended three individuals, including the alleged architect of the scheme and his son, while two minors implicated in the crimes have been placed in a juvenile correction facility.

Police recovered gold jewellery valued at approximately Rs 21.6 lakh from the accused, asserting that they have resolved a total of four burglary incidents in the locality. The investigation commenced following a reported break-in on May 8 at the residence of M Arvind Rajaram Pai on Rambaug Lane No 4 in Kalyan West. A formal case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, at the police station.

During the inquiry, law enforcement received significant information through confidential sources, leading to the arrest of 19-year-old Kailas Vilas Bhalerao from Mohane in Ambivli on May 13. Two minors, aged 14 and 15, who were alleged to have participated in the burglary, were also taken into custody. After their arrest, the minors were presented before the Bhiwandi Juvenile Court, which subsequently directed their placement in a juvenile home.

Modus Operandi of the Gang Revealed

As the interrogation progressed, police discovered that the operations of the alleged gang were directed by Kailas’s father, Vilas Bhalerao, in collaboration with his associate, Deepak Jadhav. Investigators found that Vilas was employed as a sanitation worker, while Deepak worked as a labourer. It is alleged that they exploited their jobs as a cover to frequent various residential societies and identify unoccupied homes.

In the course of their activities, the duo reportedly gathered detailed intelligence about the residents, including information on when families were away and the duration for which houses remained locked. This information was then allegedly channelled to the minors, who executed the actual break-ins and stole valuables from the targeted properties.

Subsequently, it was disclosed that the minors utilised the cash obtained from the thefts for entertainment and leisure pursuits, while the gold and silver items taken during the burglaries were handed to the adult suspects. The jewellery was allegedly sold later for financial gain.

Further Developments in the Investigation

On the evening of May 15, authorities apprehended Vilas Bhalerao and Deepak Jadhav in the Ambivli area. The investigation has revealed that the suspects confessed to their involvement in three additional burglaries in Kalyan, assisting police in closing four theft cases overall.

As part of the investigation, police recovered approximately 18 tolas of gold jewellery, which included items such as mangalsutras, necklaces, and gold bangles. The total value of the recovered jewellery is estimated at around Rs 21.6 lakh. Ongoing inquiries are focused on uncovering additional details regarding the gang’s activities and any other potential accomplices.

Law enforcement has stated that the investigation will continue as they seek to unravel the full extent of the gang’s operations and prevent further crimes in the area.

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