Special Correspondent
Pune : A Wagholi-based family has lost valuables, including cash and jewellery worth Rs 23 lakh, after entrusting their neighbours with the responsibility of watering plants during their trip. The incident came to light when the family returned from their vacation and discovered the theft.
Gaurav Adarsh Gera, a senior executive at a prominent mobile company, lodged a formal complaint with Wagholi police after finding that the valuables were missing from their home. Gera, who lives in Abhilasha Society, had gone on a trip to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh following Diwali in October. In their absence, the family entrusted their next-door neighbours with the keys to their flat for the purpose of watering plants.
The family returned on November 19, 2024, but the theft was only discovered later when the wife went to check the cupboard and found that cash, jewellery, and other valuables were missing. The police investigation revealed no signs of forced entry or tampering with the house lock, suggesting that the culprits had a key to the house.
According to API Vinayak Ahire, the investigating officer, the neighbours appear to have fled the area shortly after the theft, with reports suggesting they may have gone to Rajasthan. Attempts to contact the neighbours have been unsuccessful as they switched off their phones and blocked the family on other numbers.
The police are currently gathering information about the neighbours, who are believed to have been living in the area on a rental basis. Efforts to locate and apprehend the suspects are ongoing, with authorities working on leads to solve the case.
