VASAI: Naigaon police have solved a house break-in and arson case within 24 hours, arresting seven suspects—including three minors—and recovering part of the loot. The stolen property included gold jewellery and cash worth ₹32 lakh.
The robbery took place when a local family had gone to Virar for Ganeshotsav. The thieves not only ransacked their home but also set fire to the general store located in the same premises before fleeing.
Those arrested include Deepak Kharat (21), Fatima Shaikh (39), Sonu Khan (20), Ajay Yadav (20), and three juveniles. Police said all were locals familiar with the victim’s routine. Shaikh, the mother of one accused, allegedly acted as a receiver and hid part of the gold.
A senior officer said technical evidence and local intelligence led to swift arrests. Most of the accused are unemployed, with some taking up odd jobs.
A police source added that some of the robbers deliberately ignited the store while smoking cigarettes, causing extensive damage. Firefighters managed to douse the blaze, but water used in cooling operations melted plastic oil cans, spreading oil and compounding losses for the shop owner.
