₹1 crore theft at Lopamudra Raut's flat: Bihar man arrested by Mumbai Police
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Santacruz Police have arrested a 26-year-old man from Bihar's Darbhanga district in connection with the burglary of valuables worth over ₹1 crore from the Mumbai flat of actress-model and former Bigg Boss 10 contestant Lopamudra Raut. The accused, identified as Chandan Mukhiya, a resident of Goth Mitti village in Darbhanga, was nabbed with the assistance of local police following a cross-state investigation.
How the Break-In Was Carried Out
According to police, Mukhiya allegedly conducted a recce of the property before striking in July, first entering through a ventilator after confirming no one was inside. On a separate occasion, he reportedly used a bamboo stick to scale the fifth-floor balcony of Lopamudra's residence, broke open a door, and entered her bedroom, from where he allegedly stole the valuables.
Investigators say Mukhiya had been systematically targeting locked homes across Mumbai, allegedly travelling back to Bihar by train on the same day as each theft to avoid detection.
What Was Recovered
Stolen assets worth approximately ₹51 lakh were recovered from Mukhiya's possession at the time of arrest. The recovered items include a luxury watch, two gold biscuits, and cash. Police have stated that the remaining stolen amount and other valuables are yet to be traced.
How Police Tracked the Accused
Santacruz Police used technical intelligence, including mobile phone data and location-based leads, to narrow the search to Darbhanga. A Mumbai Police team subsequently travelled to Bihar and, in coordination with the Darbhanga Police, conducted a raid under the jurisdiction of Sonki police station, leading to Mukhiya's arrest.
Investigation Ongoing
Investigators are now working to recover the remaining stolen property and determine whether any other individuals were involved. Police suspect that Mukhiya used a portion of the stolen money to purchase approximately two gunthas of land — registered in his sister's name. The case highlights a pattern of inter-state burglaries where offenders exploit train connectivity to evade local law enforcement.