Nagpur: A burglary took place at a grocery merchant’s residence in Surya Nagar under Kalamna police jurisdiction on the night of February 22-23. The suspect, identified as notorious housebreaker Naresh Mahilange, allegedly stole gold and diamond-studded jewellery worth ₹24.53 lakh.

According to police sources, the theft occurred while businessman Anil Ramchandra Ochal and his family were attending a birthday party. The burglar entered the house past midnight by breaking the latch of a sliding window in the basement. However, a barking pet dog on the first floor forced him to move to the second floor, where he broke open a cupboard lock and took the jewellery from a drawer.

Burglar Dropped Jewellery Box While Escaping:

As the Ochal family returned home, they unknowingly walked in while the thief was still inside. Startled by the family’s arrival and the dog’s barking, the intruder attempted to flee. In a bid to distract the dog, he threw footwear at it before escaping onto the terrace. While jumping onto a neighbor’s rooftop, he accidentally dropped a box of stolen jewellery.

The thief eventually managed to escape by unlocking the main gate. The family discovered the burglary after noticing a ransacked room and immediately informed Kalamna police. Senior officials, including DCP Zone 5 Niketan Kadam, reached the scene. Police examined CCTV footage and identified the suspect as Mahilange, but he remains at large.

Over 200 Crimes to His Name:

Mahilange is a known criminal with a history of over 200 burglaries. He is infamous for his evasive tactics, having once swallowed a nail while in police custody to avoid interrogation. In previous incidents, he has also faked suicide.

Police say Mahilange is highly skilled in targeting houses where he expects a major loot and rarely leaves empty-handed. He was recently released on bail and is now on the run. Authorities are conducting raids at multiple locations to apprehend him.

Kalamna police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation.