In a shocking turn of events, a thief managed to break into the home of renowned Marathi film and TV director Swapna Waghmare Joshi late on August 25. The burglary took place in the middle of the night, with the thief gaining entry through a drainage pipe and a French window.
How the Thief Got In
The incident occurred at around 3:17 a.m. when the thief, dressed casually in a T-shirt and shorts, climbed up to the sixth floor of the Windsor B building in Andheri West. Using the drainage pipe, the intruder accessed the flat via a French sliding window. The entire break-in was captured by the CCTV cameras installed in Joshi’s home.
Details of the Break-In
Once inside, the thief started searching for valuables in the living room. He then moved to Joshi’s mother’s room, where he partially opened the door to peek inside. Her mother was sleeping on the bed, while the caretaker rested on the floor. The thief continued his search, checking the kitchen and the temple room before heading to Joshi’s daughter Soumita’s bedroom.
A Close Call
In Soumita’s room, where she and her husband were sleeping, the thief managed to steal Rs 6,000 from Soumita’s purse. The entire intrusion lasted between 3:10 and 3:30 a.m. However, their pet cat played a crucial role in the eventual discovery of the crime. The cat’s movements woke up Joshi’s son-in-law, Devan, around 3:30 a.m. Suspicious, Devan checked the kitchen and then the hall, where he encountered the thief.
Thief Flees
Devan attempted to chase the thief, but the intruder quickly escaped through the same window he had entered. Fortunately, the thief was unarmed, and his quick departure meant he left behind no immediate harm. The CCTV footage captured the entire sequence, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Police Action
Following the break-in, Swapna Waghmare Joshi promptly complained with the Amboli police. An FIR was registered on August 26 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to theft and house trespass. The investigation is ongoing as the police work to identify and apprehend the suspect based on the CCTV footage and other evidence.
This incident highlights the importance of security measures and vigilance, even in the seemingly secure upper floors of residential buildings. The swift actions of Joshi’s family and the presence of CCTV cameras were key in documenting the crime and assisting law enforcement in their efforts to solve the case.
