In a bizarre turn of events, a caretaker in Mumbai's Khar area landed in police custody after flaunting stolen jewelry as her WhatsApp display picture (DP). The victim, a businesswoman, grew suspicious upon seeing the DP and lodged a police complaint, leading to the arrest of the 20-year-old accused, Mahima Nagendra Nishad.
The incident pertains to a theft worth ₹34 lakh at the home of Panchali, a 57-year-old businesswoman residing in Khar. Panchali lives with her brother, while her elderly parents, who require regular care, live nearby with five domestic workers.
Mahima Nishad, originally from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, was hired in April 2023 as a caretaker for Panchali’s ailing mother. Mahima had access to the family’s locker, which contained valuable gold and silver ornaments and cash.
On November 1, during the Laxmi Puja festivities, Panchali discovered that jewelry worth ₹34 lakh and ₹5,000 in cash were missing from the locker. Despite the loss, she delayed filing a police complaint as her elderly parents were emotionally and physically distressed by the incident, and she was under work pressure.
Breakthrough via WhatsApp DP
The case took a significant turn on November 8 when Panchali noticed a WhatsApp DP of Mahima, showcasing jewelry identical to her mother’s missing ornaments, including a gold chain and a ring. This confirmed her suspicion that Mahima was behind the theft. Panchali immediately approached the Khar police with this evidence.
Following the complaint, Khar police registered a case of theft and detained Mahima for questioning. During the interrogation, Mahima confessed to the crime. She revealed that she used her access to the locker to steal the valuables.
Mahima was subsequently arrested and presented before a local court in Bandra. The police are continuing their investigation to recover the stolen items and ascertain if Mahima had any accomplices.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about ensuring the credibility of individuals entrusted with sensitive responsibilities.