Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Rural Police have solved a house theft case within 24 hours by arresting a construction worker accused of stealing gold jewellery and a watch worth Rs 6.37 lakh from a residence in Maryhill. Police also recovered all the stolen valuables from the accused, leading to a quick breakthrough in the case.
Construction worker arrested in theft case
The arrested accused has been identified as Zaheeruddin (24), son of Nirajuddin, a native of Balrampur district in Uttar Pradesh. He was residing on Azizuddin Road in Bunder, Mangaluru, while working as a construction labourer.
According to police, Zaheeruddin was among the workers engaged in renovation work at a house in Bandot, Maryhill, where roof replacement and false ceiling work were recently being carried out.
Police said he allegedly took advantage of his access to the house during the renovation work and committed the theft.
Gold ornaments and watch stolen from house
Investigators said the valuables were kept inside a small purse placed in a table drawer in one of the rooms of the house.
The accused allegedly stole a 20-gram gold bangle, a 17-gram gold chain, an 8-gram gold ring, a 4-gram gold ring, and a Sonata gold-coated watch.
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at Rs 6.37 lakh.
Following the incident, the house owner lodged a complaint at the Mangaluru Rural Police Station, leading to the registration of Crime No. 68/2026 under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Investigation leads to quick breakthrough
After registering the case, the investigating team began questioning the contractor and all labourers involved in the renovation work.
Police conducted detailed interrogations and verified the movements of the workers present at the house during the relevant period.
During questioning, Zaheeruddin reportedly confessed to committing the theft.
Based on his statement, the police recovered the entire stolen property, including 49 grams of gold jewellery and the stolen watch, from his possession.
The accused was subsequently produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
Entire stolen property recovered
Police confirmed that all the valuables reported missing by the complainant were successfully recovered, ensuring that the victim did not suffer a permanent financial loss.
The prompt recovery of the jewellery and watch was made possible through swift investigation and coordinated efforts by the investigating officers.
Officials said the case highlights the importance of timely complaint registration and systematic questioning of suspects during criminal investigations.
Police team commended for swift action
The operation was carried out under the guidance of the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner.
The investigation was led by Mangaluru Rural Police Inspector D R Manjappa and Police Sub-Inspector Arun Kumar D, along with their team.
The officers succeeded in identifying the accused, recovering the stolen property and solving the case within 24 hours of taking up the investigation.
Police said the quick detection of the case reflects the efficiency of the investigation team and their prompt response to complaints of property offences.
Conclusion
With the arrest of the accused and recovery of all the stolen valuables, the Mangaluru Rural Police have successfully concluded the initial phase of the investigation. Further legal proceedings will continue as the accused remains in judicial custody.