Mumbai: Shweta Ladge and Babu Sindal arrested for robbing an elderly woman at knifepoint and stealing ₹7.85 lakh in valuables in Vile Parle | File Photo
Mumbai: In a daring afternoon robbery that shocked Vile Parle, two suspects were arrested for breaking into the home of an elderly woman, binding her and a speech-impaired domestic helper with tape, and looting valuables worth ₹7.85 lakh. The arrested accused have been identified as Babu Sindal (27) and Shweta Ladge (35).
According to the Crime Branch, the incident occurred on January 5 when the suspects forced their way into the residence. Armed with a knife, they threatened the elderly woman and her helper, tied their hands, feet, and mouths with adhesive tape, and stole gold jewelry worth ₹6.80 lakh and ₹1.05 lakh in cash. The crime took place in broad daylight on a Sunday afternoon, spreading fear across the neighborhood. The main accused, Shweta, is a property agent in the related area.
A case was registered at Vile Parle police station based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family. Acting on the seriousness of the case, Crime Branch Unit 8, led by Inspector Laxmikant Salunkhe, initiated a parallel investigation. The team included police officers Manojkumar Prajapati, Madhukar Dhutraj, Utkarsh Vaze, Sangram Patil, Rahul Prabhu, Vikas More, and Jayendra Kande.
Investigations revealed that Babu Sindal, a resident of Versova, carried out the crime. He went into hiding immediately after the incident. Through technical surveillance, the police tracked down his movements. Further probes revealed Shweta Ladge’s involvement. Ladge had previously gained access to the victim’s household as a domestic help contractor. Her interrogation provided key leads, culminating in Sindal’s arrest from Thane.
The case is a reminder of how domestic help agencies and insider information can be exploited for crime. Both suspects are now in custody, and further investigation is ongoing.
The robbery took place on January 5 when the elderly woman was home alone. The suspects forced their way in, threatened the victims at knifepoint, and fled with gold jewelry and cash from the safe. The victims reported the crime immediately, and an FIR was registered at Vile Parle police station under Sections 304(4), 126(2), and 3(5) of the BNS.