Maid held for Rs37 lakh loot in Mumbai

The Nagpada police have arrested the domestic help of popular coffin makers and undertakers John Pinto for allegedly stealing cash and valuables worth Rs37 lakh from their residence. The police, in fact, had to make efforts to recover the stolen booty as the accused was a native of naxal-affected Kandhmal district in Orissa.

According to the police, Pinto, who is a known name in the Catholic community, resides with his family in 5 Lobo Mansion at Clare Road in Byculla (W). In December last year, Rs50,000 had allegedly gone missing from the residence of Pinto. In the next two months, another Rs1.50 lakh disappeared. 

“This week, while going through the cupboards, they found that a total of Rs4 lakh in cash and ornaments worth Rs33 lakh have gone missing. Pinto’s sister Helma John D’Souza had then lodged a police complaint,” said senior police inspector Sanjay Kadam.   

“After continuous interrogation, the maid admitted of having committed the crime. Recovering the booty from Kandhmal district in Orissa was not an easy task as it was a naxal-affected zone,” said Kadam. 

He added that the help of the local police and villagers were sought to ensure that they do not get under the radar of the naxals.

“On safely reaching the residence, we asked the maid’s parents about the booty. They told us that their daughter had taken the booty to the village and told them that it was gifted by her employers. All the stolen goods and cash has been recovered,” Kadam said.