Navi Mumbai: A woman who used to attend ‘haldi’ functions and make away with gold jewellery was arrested on Friday evening. Nilima Nilesh Koli, a resident of Uran, would enter the house on the pretext of changing her sari, while the rest of the family and guests would be busy in the ceremony outside.
On April 29, Ms. Koli went to the residence of Vitthal Ovalkar at Targhar village, Uran. The Ovalkar family discovered the theft late in the night, and then checked the footage of the CCTV cameras installed at their house.
“The accused would dress up like a guest to avoid suspicion. While checking the footage, the family realised that an unknown woman entered their house at 7 p.m. and left at 8 p.m.. Then they filed a complaint with us,” senior inspector Smita Jadhav from NRI Coastal police station said.
Around 18 sovereigns of gold, including a mangalsutra, earrings and a chain, kept in three different cupboards were stolen. She was arrested at her house in Bhavra village.
The police found out that eight years ago, she was arrested by the Yellow Gate police for pickpocketing. Ms. Koli also confessed to have committed a similar crime on February 18 at Nhava Sheva township and on February 23 at Bhendkhal village, Uran. Ms. Koli’s husband had bought two cars which are being given on rent. The instalments were not being paid due to financial crisis, and hence she started stealing.